RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:				DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-00948
INDEX CODE:  107.00
	XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX				COUNSEL: NONE

	XXXXXXXXXX					HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: 

His DD Form 214 be corrected to reflect the award of the Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM) and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (AFOUA).  

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He is entitled to the AFCM and the AFOUA he received while stationed in Vietnam.  He no longer has the citation to accompany his award of the AFCM; however, he would never lay claim to an award he didn’t earn and receive.  He would be happy to provide a sworn affirmation of his receipt of the award if that would help correct the matter.  It is important to him that his service record be correct.  

In support of his application, the applicant provides a personal statement.  The applicant’s complete submission with attachment is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 10 June 1964, the applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force at the age of 17 for a period of four years in the rank of airman basic (E-1).  He was progressively promoted to the grade of sergeant (E-4) with a date of rank of 1 February 1967.  The applicant served in the Republic of Vietnam from 23 July 1967 to 4 June 1968.  He was released from active duty on 4 June 1968, with an honorable characterization of service.  He served 3 years, 11 months, and 25 days on active duty.

The applicant’s DD Form 214 reflects that he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star.  On 14 June 2004, the applicant’s DD Form 214 was corrected to add the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with “V” device and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.  

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommends disapproval of the applicant’s requests for the AFCM.  DPPPR states that the applicant’s entitlement to the AFOUA with “V” device along with the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm was verified and was administratively corrected.  A DD Form 215, Correction to DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, was issued on 14 June 2004 reflecting the additions and a copy was mailed to the applicant.  DPPPR states that they have thoroughly researched the applicant’s records; however, there are no documents to verify his entitlement to the AFCM.  The DPPPR evaluation, dated 4 January 2004, is at Exhibit C.

In DPPPR’s advisory dated 8 Septmeber 2004, DPPPR states the applicant’s submission of a sealed citation and signed certificate of the AFCM is not sufficient for award of the AFCM without a copy of the special order provided by the decoration approval authority.  The DPPPR evaluation, dated 8 September 2004, is at Exhibit F.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

In response to DPPPR’s advisory dated 4 January 2004, the applicant located and provided a copy of his certificate and a raised-seal carbon copy of the citation for award of the AFCM for the period 22 July 1967 to 15 May 1968.  The applicant’s response is at Exhibit E.

On 18 June 2004, a copy of the DPPPR’s advisory dated 8 September 2004 was forwarded to the applicant 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.  Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice.  We note the documentation (raised-seal citation to accompany the award of the AFCM for the period 22 July 1967 to 15 May 1968 along with a copy of the certificate for the same award) submitted by the applicant to substantiate his claim.  We also took note of the opinion of the Air Force office of primary responsibility that they are unable to administratively correct the applicant’s record to reflect his award of the AFCM without a copy of the special order, which authenticates the decoration.  After a thorough review of the available records, and the submitted evidence, the Board is persuaded that in recognition of the applicant’s service to the nation, any doubt in this case should be resolved in the applicant’s favor.  Accordingly, we recommend the records be corrected as 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 he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal, for meritorious service during the period 22 July 1967 to 15 May 1968.
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The following members of the Board considered this application in Executive Session on 14 December 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36‑2603:

All members voted to correct the records, as recommended.  The following documentary evidence for AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2004-00948 was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 17 Mar 04, w/atch.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 4 Jan 04.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 18 Jun 04.
    Exhibit E.  Ltr, Applicant’s Review, dtd 12 Jul 04, w/atch.
    Exhibit F.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 8 Sep 04.
    Exhibit G.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 17 Sep 04.

AFBCMR BC-2004-00948

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 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, be corrected to show that he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal, for meritorious service during the period 22 July 1967 to 15 May 1968.