RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  02-02780
		INDEX CODE:  107.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His military personnel records reflect award of the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was to be awarded the MSM upon retirement; however, his commander awarded it to him on approximately 10 June 1976.

Applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

During the time period in question the applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 28 February 1972 for a period of four (4) years.

Applicant was honorably released from active duty on 29 February 1976, in the grade of senior master sergeant, under the provisions of AFM 35-7 (Service Retirement) and retired effective 1 March 1976.  He served a total of 28 years and 3 days total active military service.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommended denial.  They indicated that on 30 September 2002, they informed the applicant that there was no indication in his records indicating he had been recommended for, or awarded, the MSM.  He was asked to provide a copy of the order awarding him the MSM.  He did not respond.  

The applicant has not provided any document to substantiate his claim that he was awarded the MSM.  Without an order, they cannot verify his eligibility for this decoration.

The evaluation, with attachment, is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The applicant reviewed the evaluation and indicated that he received the MSM three (3) months after retirement at his last duty station, Kadena AFB Okinawa, Japan, by his commander.  Since he was working on Kadena and separated from his family, who remained in the States, he mailed the medal, citation, and order to his son.  That was over 25 years ago and since then his son has been married, divorced and spent time in the Army.  He states that he contacted his son and he claims that somewhere during this period he lost the documents and medal.

Applicant’s complete response 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 an error or an injustice warranting the applicant’s military personnel records reflect award of the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM).  We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, 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.  According to the applicant’s military personnel records there is no indication that he was recommended for, or awarded the MSM.  On 30 September 2002 AFPC/DPPPR requested the applicant provide a copy of the order awarding him the MSM.  He did not respond.  Without an order, verification of his eligibility for the MSM cannot be verified.  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 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 AFBCMR Docket Number 02-02780 in Executive Session on 28 January 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

   Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 8 August 2002.
   Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
   Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 18 November 2002, 
               w/atch.
   Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 22 November 2002.
   Exhibit E.  Letter, Applicant, undated.