RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2002-02645
		INDEX CODE:  107.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED: NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, be changed to add the first oak leaf cluster to the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

Applicant did not present any contentions.

In support of his appeal, applicant provided a certificate and citation reflecting award of the Meritorious Service Medal, First Oak Leaf Cluster (MSM (1OLC)), for meritorious service during the period 1 Feb 86 to 31 Aug 89, and a memo of congratulations from his commander, dated 1 Aug 89.  Applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant entered active service on 5 August 1969 and was voluntarily retired, after 20 years and 26 days of service, effective 1 September 1989.  He was serving in the grade of Master Sergeant (MSgt/E-7) at retirement.

Applicant’s DD Form 214, reflects that he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster, AF Achievement Medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award with 3 bronze oak leaf clusters, AF Good Conduct Medal with 1 silver oak leaf cluster, the National Defense Service Medal, the AF Overseas Ribbon-Short (Tour), the AF Overseas Ribbon-Long (Tour) with 1 bronze oak leaf cluster and, the AF Longevity Service Ribbon.

On 21 January 2003, AFPC administratively corrected the applicant’s DD Form 214, last line of Item 18, Remarks, to read “denial” rather than “dental.”

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPPPR recommends denial.  DPPPR could not verify applicant’s entitlement to the award through his official record and did not receive a response to their query asking the applicant for a legible copy of the order awarding the decoration to him.

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

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 31 January 2003 for review and comment within 30 days.  As of this date, there has been no response received by this office.  (Exhibit D)

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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.  Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice.  We feel that the evidence provided by the applicant warrants the award of the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, First Oak Leaf Cluster.  In this regard, we note that the applicant has provided a note from his commander congratulating him on receiving the award and, more importantly, he has provided a copy of the citation and narrative for the award.  Accordingly, we recommend that the applicant’s records be corrected as indicated below.

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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT be corrected to show that on     30 June 1989, he was awarded the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, First Oak Leaf Cluster, for the period 1 February 1986 to 31 August 1989.

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The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2002-02645 in Executive Session on 1 April 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 14 Aug 02, w/atchs. 
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPPR, dated 22 Nov 02, w/atch.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 31 Jan 03.

                                   

 DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
WASHINGTON DC

Office Of The Assistant Secretary

AFBCMR BC-2002-02645

MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF

	Having received and considered the recommendation of the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records and under the authority of Section 1552, Title 10, United States Code (70A Stat 116), it is directed that:

	The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to   APPLICANT, be corrected to show that on 30 June 1989, he was awarded the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, First Oak Leaf Cluster, for the period       1 February 1986 to 31 August 1989.