RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:				DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2007-04035
								INDEX CODE:  100.00
								COUNSEL:  NONE
								HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

The Bronze Star Medal (BSM), Defense Meritorious Service Medal (DMSM), Meritorious Service Medal (MSM), Air Force Recognition Ribbon (AFRR), Armed Forces Service Medal (AFSM), and the Non-Commissioned Officer Military Education Graduate Ribbon (NCO PMEGR) be added to his records.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

These decorations should have been included on his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.

In support of the appeal, applicant submits a personal statement and a copy of his DD Form 214.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 2 May 78, for a term of four years, and was trained as a Security Specialist.  He was released from active duty on 1 May 82, under the provisions of AFR 39-10, Administrative Separation of Airmen, for Expiration of Term of Active Obligated Service and received an honorable discharge.  He served a total of four years active duty service.  The Report of Separation issued in conjunction with his 1 May 82, honorable discharge indicates he was awarded the Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon.  

On 11 Apr 05, his records were corrected to reflect award of the Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon/Rifle, and the Security Police Basic Badge.

The BSM recognizes acts of heroism performed in ground combat if they are of lesser degree than that required for the Silver Star. It also recognizes single acts of merit and meritorious service if the achievement or service is of a lesser degree than that deemed worthy of the Legion of Merit; but such service must have been accomplished with distinction.  Army personnel who, as members of the Armed Forces of the United States between 7 Dec 41, and 2 Sep 45, were awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge or Medical Badge for exemplary conduct may upon application receive the BSM. Although these World War II badges were not authorized for award until after 1 Jul 43, those whose meritorious achievements in combat before that date can be confirmed in writing may also be eligible for the BSM.  When awarded for heroism, the BSM is annotated by a bronze "V" device (to designate valor).  Only one "V" device will be worn on the medal or ribbon regardless of the number of times awarded. 

The DMSM was established by Executive Order 12019 on 3 Nov 77, and is awarded to military personnel serving with or assigned to a number of joint activities including The Secretary of Defense, Organizations of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Headquarters of Joint Commands. Other joint activities and specified commands such as Military Assistance Advisory Groups and Joint Missions; and jointly manned staffs within Allied Command Europe, Allied Command Atlantic, the NATO Military Committee, and military agencies associated with functions of the military or other joint activities as may be designated by the Secretary are also included.  The medal is awarded for noncombat meritorious achievement or service that is incontestably exceptional and of magnitude that clearly places the individual above his peers while serving in one of the assignments for which the medal has been designated. 
The MSM was established by Executive Order 11448, on 16 Jan 69 and may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who distinguishes themselves by either outstanding achievement or meritorious service to the United States.  This award was established as the counterpart of the BSM for the recognition of meritorious noncombatant service. 
The AFRR is awarded to named team and individual Air Force recipients of Air Force-level Special Trophies and Awards except the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year nominees. 

The AFSM, authorized by Executive Order 12985, 11 Jan 96, is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the U.S. who, after 1 Jun 92: (1) participate, or have participated, as members of U.S. military units, in a U.S. military operation that is deemed to be a significant activity by the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and (2) encounter no foreign armed opposition or imminent threat of hostile action. 

The NCOPMEGR, is awarded to graduates of the following certified NCO PME schools, (NCO Preparatory Course, Airman Leadership School, NCO Leadership School, NCO Academy, SNCO Academy). Graduation from each successive level of PME entitles the member to an oak leaf cluster.  However, the ribbon is not awarded to members who only complete the correspondence courses or similar training conducted by other military services except for in-residence completion of the U.S. Army Sergeant Major Academy, Navy Senior Enlisted Academy, or Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Academy. 

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial of the applicant’s request, and indicates they were unable to locate a Special Order or any official recommendation from higher headquarters awarding the applicant any of the aforementioned awards and decorations.  Additionally, he attended an Orientation Course which is not certified as a NCO PME school.  The AFSM was authorized beginning 11 Jan 96, to members who participate, or have participated, as member of military units, in a military operation that is deemed to be a significant activity by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and encounter no foreign armed opposition or imminent threat of hostile action.  The applicant’s enlistment ended in 1982.

The AFPC/DPSIDR evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A complete copy of the evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 14 Mar 08, for review and comment, within 30 days.  However, 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.  Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice to warrant providing the requested relief.  We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we 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.  Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting 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 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 Docket Number BC-2007-04035 in Executive Session on 3 Jun 08, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 7 Dec 07, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Memo, AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 25 Feb 08.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 14 Mar 08.