At any time before the expiration of 12 months after the termination of the period of honorable service of such applicant in any of the Armed Forces of the United States, he may apply in writing, which application shall be directed to and filed with the State Director of Personnel, for the termination of his leave of absence. Within 30 days of the filing of such application, the State Personnel Board shall consider the same and, if the mental and physical condition of the applicant are such that he is not thereby disqualified to perform the duties of such position from which he had leave of absence, it shall thereupon order his restoration to said position, effective upon the date on which the said order is made and entered. Such restoration shall be made, as provided in this section, notwithstanding the fact that it results in the layoff of the incumbent who is serving in such position.