RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-01805
		INDEX CODE:  107.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to show he was awarded the Airman’s Medal (AM) and not the Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was originally recommended for award of the AM, but that medal was downgraded by PACAF to the AFCM.

In support of his request, the applicant submits a letter of support, a copy of a letter, Transmittal of Recommendation for Decorations, a copy of AF Form 642, Recommendation for Decoration, a copy of the Airman’s Medal Citation, a copy of newspaper article, 9 Sep 1966 and a personal statement.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant served on active duty from 21 May 1959 until his retirement on 31 October 1979.  While stationed at Clark AB, Philippines, one of his duties was to prevent trespassers from getting onto the gunnery range to scavenge for scrap metal.  On 18 August 1965 the applicant apprehended a trespasser, notified the control tower of their presence on the field, and the control tower diverted an aircraft that was preparing to strafe (attack) the field.  As a result of his actions, he was recommended for the Airman's Medal, but it was downgrade by PACAF and he was awarded the AFCM on 30 June 1996.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The AFPC/DPPPR recommends denial.  There is insufficient documentation in the applicant’s records to give any indication of why the recommendation was downgraded from the Airman’s Medal to the Air Force Commendation Medal.  At the time of the incident, all facts would have been available to everyone in the chain of command, including the final approval authority, who downgraded the decoration.   The Airman’s Medal is awarded for voluntary risk of life, and the applicant has not provided any official documentation showing that he met this criteria.

The DPPPR evaluation, with attachments, 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 11 Jul 03, for review and comment within 30 days.  As of this date, this office has received no response.

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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 error or injustice.  After a thorough review of the applicant’s submission and the available evidence of record, we are not persuaded that the relief requested should be granted.  We took notice of the complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinions and recommendations of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the former member has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  Therefore, we find no compelling basis to warrant favorable consideration of 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 an 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 no considered with this application.

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The following members of the Board considered Docket Number BC-2003-01805 in Executive Session on 16 September 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 10 May 03, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 1 Jul 03, w/atchs.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 11 Jul 03.

	Panel Chair