RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2007-00845
		INDEX CODE:  107.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE
				
		HEARING DESIRED:  NOT INDICATED

MANDATORY COMPLETION DATE:  22 AUGUST 2008

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to show he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal (BSM), the Presidential Unit Citation (PUC), the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVGC w/P), the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor and 3 Oak Leaf Clusters (AFOUA w/V & 3 OLC), and the Korean Defense Service Medal (KDSM).

Examiner’s Note:  Except for the Bronze Star Medal (BSM), the Air Force office of primary responsibility was able to verify the applicant’s entitlement to the above listed awards and the Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars (VSM w/2 BSS).  Therefore, the BSM will be the only award considered in this application.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

His change of assignments and the military’s policy to use social security numbers instead of serial numbers may have been one factor for his not receiving the awards.  He recently found out that many veterans did not receive all of their awards and home computers made it easy to research these types of errors.  

He was stationed at Tan Son Nhut AFB during an attack in 1966 and several people were killed, many were wounded, multiple aircraft were damaged and two were destroyed.  He was assigned to Crash and Recovery and performed some noteworthy acts.  His supervisor told him immediately after the attack that he was recommending him for the BSM and mentioned it again when he signed his performance report.  His supervisor told him that no reference to the attack was included on his report because of the pending BSM.  He did not check previously because he believed the medal had been disapproved.

In support of his application, the applicant submits a copy of his DD 214, multiple articles from the Air Force Historical Research, and copies of his performance reports.

The applicant's complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant was honorable discharged and retired in the grade of master sergeant (E-7) on 30 Sep 83.  He served 20 years and 27 days of active duty service to include 9 years, 1 month and 15 days of Foreign Service.
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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPPPR recommends denial of the applicant’s request for the BSM.  DPPPR states to be awarded the BSM, a member while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States on or after 7 Dec 41, shall have distinguished himself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service.  DPPPR affirms they were unable to locate a Special Order or any official documentation from Higher Headquarters awarding the applicant the basic BSM; however, they were able to locate the Special Order awarding him the AFCM during his assignment in Vietnam.  

DPPPR states that without conclusive evidence the applicant was approved for the BSM, they cannot determine his entitlement to the award.  DPPPR notes the applicant was unable to furnish documentation to support his request for the BSM.  

DPPPR explains the written recommendation for the award must meet two criteria:  1) be made by someone in the member’s chain of command at the time of the incident, and, who has firsthand knowledge of the acts or achievements; and 2) be submitted through a congressional member who can ask a military service to review a proposal for a decoration based on the merits of the proposal and the award criteria in existence when the event occurred.

The complete DPPPR evaluation, with attachments, is at Exhibit C.
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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

In his response dated 14 May 07, the applicant states he was never awarded or aware that he had received the AFCM for his services in Vietnam.  Also, the award was never used as a part of any promotion package or in any subsequent awards.  He now suspects the BSM his supervisor told him he was putting him in for in 1966 was downgraded to an AFCM.

The applicant’s complete submission 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 error or injustice.  After a thorough review of the available evidence and the applicant’s complete submission, we are not persuaded that he should receive the Bronze Star Medal.  Other than his own assertions, the applicant has provided no documentary evidence that would establish his entitlement to the above-cited request.  We are not unmindful or unappreciative of his service to his Nation; however, in the absence of documentary evidence to corroborate his claim, we have no basis on which to favorably consider this application.  We, therefore, agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  

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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of probable 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 this application in Executive Session on 19 July 2007, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	XXXXXXXXXX, Panel Chair
	XXXXXXXXXX, Member
	XXXXXXXXXX, Member

The following documentary evidence was considered in AFBCMR BC-2007-00845:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 15 Mar 07, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant’s Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPPR, undated, w/atchs.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 4 May 07.
	Exhibit E.  Letter, Applicant, dated 14 May 07.

	XXXXXXXXXX
	Panel Chair