RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-01752
		INDEX CODE:  107.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His DD Form 214 be corrected to show he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal (BSM).
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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

His DD Form 214 does not reflect award of the BSM.  The medal was presented to him at his retirement.  The paperwork for the medal arrived after his DD Form 214 was completed and the DD Form 214 was never corrected.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 8 July 1948, the applicant enlisted in the Air Force for a period of three years.

The applicant’s DD Form 214 reflects he was awarded the Commendation Ribbon (CR), Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) with one Oak Leaf Cluster (OLC), Air Medal (AM) with seven OLCs, Gallantry Cross (GC) with a Silver Star (SS), Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM) with two OLCs, Purple Heart (PH), National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) with one Bronze Service Star (BSS), Korean Service Medal (KSM), United Nations Service Medal (UNSM), Army Occupation Medal (AOM), Air Force Longevity Service Award (AFLSA) with four OLCs, Air Force Outstanding Unit Achievement (AFOUA) with two OLCs, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (AFRESM), Good Conduct Medal (GCM), Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (SAEMR), Air Force Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) with two BSSs, Vietnam Service Medal (VSM), with four BSSs, Combat Readiness Medal (CRM), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (RVCM).

A DD Form 215 was issued on 2 February 2001 adding the Silver Star to the applicant’s DD Form 214 for the period 29 October 1969 to 1 November 1969.

The applicant retired on 1 November 1970.  He served 21 years, 10 months and 14 days of active duty service.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR on 17 June 2003 informed the applicant that his records did not indicate he was recommended for or was awarded the medal.  DPPPR requested the applicant provide a copy of the order awarding him the BSM to verify his eligibility for the award.  On 25 June 2003, the applicant responded that he did not receive a copy of the order and provided another copy of the certificate.  Without a copy of a valid order, the applicant’s eligibility for the BSM cannot be verified.  Therefore, they recommend denial of applicant’s request.

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

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 18 July 2003, a copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant for review and response within 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.	Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice.  Although a copy of the orders awarding the applicant the BSM are unavailable, the applicant has provided a copy of the certificate awarding him the BSM.  The applicant’s record reflects he was a highly decorated officer having received 19 other awards and decorations during his career.  Therefore, we believe it is possible the applicant was awarded the BSM for his meritorious service while stationed in the Republic of Vietnam during the period 20 September 1969 through 20 May 1970 but that 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 BSM 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 3 September 1790, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service for the period 20 September 1969 through 20 May 1970.

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The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2003-01752 in Executive Session on 17 September 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36‑2603:

All members voted to correct the records, as recommended.  The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 19 May 03, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, AFPC/DPPPR dated 8 Jul 03,w/atchs.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 18 Jul 03.

			Panel Chair

AFBCMR BC-2003-01752

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 he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service for the period 20 September 1969 through 20 May 1970.

	Director
	Air Force Review Boards Agency