RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2007-03220
				INDEX CODE:  107.00
				COUNSEL:  NONE

				HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to reflect he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was awarded the AFCM for meritorious service for the period 3 Jul 68 to 2 Jul 69.  The AFCM is not on his DD Form 214 and he believes his DD Form 214 should show all the awards he is entitled to.

In support of his appeal, applicant submitted a copy of the AFCM certificate and citation.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Air Force on 22 Nov 65, as an airman basic for a period of four years.

He was honorably released from active duty on 2 Jul 69.  He served 3 years, 7 months, and 11 days on active duty.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPSIDR recommends the requested relief be denied.  DPSIDR states the applicant submitted a copy of an AFCM citation and certificate, but did not submit the special order needed to validate the citation and certificate.  The Air Force Instruction governing awards and decorations states once an award has been approved, prepare a certificate, impress a seal on the citation 
(if applicable) and publish special orders.  The special order authenticates all decorations approved by the Department of the Air Force.  Without the special order to validate the AFCM, DPSIDR cannot confirm his entitlement.

The complete AFPC/DPSIDR evaluation 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 14 Dec 07, 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 an error or an injustice.  Although a copy of the official order awarding the applicant the AFCM is unavailable, he has provided a copy of the signed certificate and citation with the impressed official seal which is an indicator that the medal was approved and processed for disposition.  Therefore, it appears he was officially awarded the AFCM.  Accordingly, 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 2 July 1969 he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for meritorious service for the period 3 July 1968 through 2 July 1969.

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The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2007-03220 in Executive Session on 27 Feb 08, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

All members voted to correct the records as recommended.  The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2007-03220 was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 27 Sep 07, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, HQ APRC/DPSIDR, dated 29 Nov 07.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 14 Dec 07.