RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-01321
				INDEX CODE:  107.00
				COUNSEL:  None

				HEARING DESIRED:  No

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His DD Form 241 be corrected to reflect award of the Air Force Achievement Medal (AFAM) for the period 25 June 1990 to 29 March 1992.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was awarded the AFAM and it is not reflected on his DD Form 214.

Applicant's complete submission, with attachments, is attached at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant served on active duty from 26 January 1990 through 23 March 1992 to include an overseas tour in Germany.  He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (AFOUA), the Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, the Air Force Training Ribbon and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPPPR states that on 27 May 2003, they informed the applicant that his records did not indicate he was recommended for or awarded the AFAM and requested he provide a copy of the order awarding him the medal.  The applicant did not respond.  DPPR contacted the Major Command, USAFE, and asked them to aid in obtaining a copy of the order awarding the applicant the AFAM.  The Military Personnel Flight (MPF) that would have published the order for the decoration informed DPPPR that the applicant’s records had been sent to the National Archives.  The MPF contacted the National Archives and requested they search for a 
copy of the order.  As of the date of this evaluation, no response has been received.

AFPC/DPPPR further states they are unable to explain why the applicant does not have a copy of the order awarding him the AFAM.  However, without a copy of the order, they cannot verify the applicant’s entitlement to the award.  They recommend the applicant submit a request to the National Archives for a copy of the order.  AFPC/DPPPR further believes the applicant’s case should be closed administratively until he can furnish a copy of the order awarding the AFAM.

A complete copy of the Air Force evaluation is attached 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 10 October 2003, for review and response.  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.	Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice.  Although the orders awarding the applicant the AFAM are unavailable, the applicant has provided a copy of the certificate awarding him the AFAM.  The applicant’s record reflects he was awarded several medals and ribbons for his excellent service.  We believe it is possible the applicant was awarded the AFAM for his meritorious service while stationed in Ramstein, Germany during the period 25 June through 23 March 1992 but it was simply not reflected on his separation documents.  With no basis to question the applicant’s integrity, and in recognition of his service to the Nation, it is our opinion that any doubt should be resolved in the applicant's favor.  In view of this, we do not believe the absence of the special orders awarding the AFAM should prevent him from receiving the requested relief.  Therefore, we recommend his records be corrected to the extent indicated below.

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THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that on 4 May 1992, he was awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal for meritorious service for the period 25 June 1990 through 23 March 1992.

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The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2002-01321 in Executive Session on 13 January 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 9 Apr 03, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPPR, dated 6 Oct 03.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 10 Oct 03.

					

AFBCMR BC- BC-2003-01321
INDEX CODE:  107.00

MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF

	Having received and considered the recommendation of the Air Force Board for Correction for 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                  , be corrected to show that on 4 May 1992, he was awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal for meritorious service for the period 25 June 1990 through 23 March 1992.