RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  01-00312
		INDEX CODE:  107.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Bronze Star Medal (BSM) for the period 15 March 1968 through 2 September 1968.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

His Bronze Star Medal recommendation package was lost in the administrative process.

In support of his appeal, the applicant provided a personal statement, AF Form 642, Recommendation For Decoration, dated 2 September 1968, and other documentation.

Applicant’s complete submission is attached at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 22 August 1944.

On 31 July 1969, the applicant retired in the grade of lieutenant colonel, under the provisions of AFM 35-4 (Permanent disability Retirement).  He served a total of 24 years, 11 months, and 9 days total active duty.

The applicant was recommended for award of the BSM for the period 15 March 1968 through 2 September 1968.  The form was signed, but there is no indication it was submitted into official channels (endorsed by the next higher official in the chain of command or forwarded to the final approval authority.)

The BSM is awarded to individuals who distinguish themselves by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, while engaged in action against an enemy or while engaged in military operations involving conflict.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The Chief, Recognition Programs Branch, HQ AFPC/DPPPR, reviewed this application and states that the narrative portion of the recommendation for the BSM does not include any of the applicant’s aerial achievements, which would be the only time he met the criteria regarding being engaged with the enemy.  Since the BSM is not awarded for aerial achievements, these could not be mentioned in the narrative portion.  The proposed citation states the applicant “engaged in military operations against an opposing force,” but this would only be true when flying combat missions over Vietnam.  The narrative portion of the recommendation deals with the applicant’s managerial skills only, which would be a more proper recommendation for an Air Force Commendation Medal.  The applicant believes the recommendation package was lost in administrative channels; however, they do not believe the recommendation package was placed in official channels or forwarded to the final approval authority.  If it had been, the final approval authority would have disapproved the recommendation because it does not meet the criteria for award of the BSM.  Therefore, they recommend disapproval of the applicant’s request.

A complete copy of the Air Force evaluation, with attachment, is attached at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 4 May 2001, a copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant for review and response within thirty (30) days.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office.

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THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

1.	The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by existing law or regulations.

2.	The application was not timely filed; however, it is in the interest of justice to excuse the failure to timely file.

3.	Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of probable error or injustice.  It appears that the applicant was recommended for the Bronze Star Medal (BSM) on 15 March 1968 through 2 September 1968.  Although the recommendation was signed, there is no indication it was submitted into official channels.  Absent evidence to the contrary, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice. Therefore, we find no basis to recommend favorable action on his request.

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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of probable material error or injustice; that the application was denied without a personal appearance; and that the application will only be reconsidered upon the submission of newly discovered relevant evidence not considered with this application.

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The following members of the Board considered this application in Executive Session on 5 June 2001, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	            Panel Chair
	            Member
	            Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

   Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 28 January 2001, w/atchs.
   Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
   Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 18 April 2001.
   Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MIBR, dated 4 May 2001.

					   
					   Panel Chair