RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  01-02501
				INDEX CODE:  107.00
	APPLICANT	COUNSEL:  None

	SSN		HEARING DESIRED:  No

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His DD Form 214 be corrected to reflect he received the Air Medal (AM), Meritorious Service Medal (MSM), and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with V device (AFOUA w/V).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

During the time he served, his unit earned these medals.  The formal presentation did not take place until 12-18 months after his discharge.

Applicant's complete submission is attached at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The relevant facts pertaining to this application, extracted from the applicant's military records, are contained in the letter prepared by the appropriate office of the Air Force.  Accordingly, there is no need to recite these facts in this Record of Proceedings.  

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPPPR states it is not reflected in the applicant's records that he was recommended for the AM, MSM or the AFOUA w/V.  In a letter dated 3 Oct 01, they requested the applicant provide a copy of the orders awarding him the AM and MSM, and to identify the unit he was in that was awarded the AFOUA w/V.  The applicant did not provide the requested information.  DPPPR recommends denying the requested relief.

A complete copy of the evaluation is attached at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The applicant reviewed the Air Force evaluation and states he flew a mission with the 67th SOS, which is a squadron with the 352nd SOG and by the time he received notification that the unit was receiving the award he was already discharged.  He has had difficulty in obtaining documentation regarding this matter, because people he knew in the SOG have pcs'd.  He has a medal package for the MSM but since he has recently moved, he has not been able to locate it.  Once he does he will forward it.  

Applicant’s response, with attachments, is at Exhibit E.

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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.  We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinion and the 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 an injustice.  In order for a member to receive the AM or MSM they must be recommended by their commanders.  We note the citation for the contested MSM; however, we find no official orders awarding this decoration.  Further, there is no evidence in the applicant's records indicating that he was recommended for either the AM or MSM.  The applicant contends his unit was awarded the AFOUA w/V device after his discharge.  It appears from the documentation submitted that the applicant's parent unit was awarded the AFOUA w/V device, however, there is no evidence that the applicant's assigned unit was eligible for the award.  Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application.

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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 30 January 2002, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

			Panel Chair
			Member
			Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

   Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 22 Mar 01, w/atchs.
   Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
   Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 11 Dec 01.
   Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 14 Dec 01.
   Exhibit E.  Applicant’s response, dated 31 Dec 01, w/atchs.