RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:	BC-2008-02541 INDEX CODE:	107.00
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX	COUNSEL: NO
HEARING DESIRED:	YES

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
He be awarded the Air Force Combat Action Medal (AFCAM).

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
He should be awarded the AFCAM based on his actions during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF).

To support his claim the applicant has provided copies of his award documentation packages for the Army Commendation Medal and the Bronze Star Medal; and copies of his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty; Enlisted Performance Reports; Joint Tactical Air Strike Requests; and NATO/Special Mission orders.

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:
The applicant served on active duty in the Regular Air Force from
11 September 1984 to 29 February 2008 and retired effective
1 March 2008 in the grade of master sergeant (E-7). He served a total of 23 years, 5 months, and 20 days of active military service.

On 1 August 2008, AFPC/DPSIDR forwarded the applicant’s request to the United States Air Forces Central Command (USAFCENT) Decoration Processing Unit for consideration. On 23 September 2008, the USAFCENT Decoration Unit notified the applicant that his request for the AFCAM was disapproved.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DPSIDR recommends, based on the USAFCENT’s decision, denial of the applicant’s request for award of the AFCAM.	DPSIDR states

that on 15 March 2007, the Secretary of the Air Force approved establishment of the AFCAM to recognize any military member of the Air Force (airman basic thru colonel) who actively participated in combat (ground or air). The principal eligibility criterion is that the individual must have been under direct and hostile fire while operating in unsecured space (outside the defended perimeter), or physically engaging hostile forces with direct and lethal fire. The applicant’s package was submitted to USAFCENT, the approval authority for OIF awards and decorations; however, on 22 September 2008, USAFCENT disapproved his request for the AFCAM indicating that his request did not meet the criteria of grave danger.

The DPSIDR evaluation is at Exhibit C.

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 7 November 2008 for review and response within 30 days (Exhibit D). As of this date, this office has received no response.

THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:
1.	The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by existing law or regulations.

2.	The application was timely filed.

3.	Insufficient	relevant	evidence	has	been	presented	to	
demonstrate	the	existence	of	error	or	injustice.	After	a	
thorough review of the available records, we found no evidence the applicant is eligible for the award of the AFCAM. We took notice of his complete submission in judging the merits of this case; however, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt it’s 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.

4. The applicant's case is adequately documented and it has not been shown that a personal appearance with or without counsel will materially add to our understanding of the issues involved. Therefore, the request for a hearing is not favorably considered.

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.

The following members of the Board considered this application in Executive Session on 14 January 2009 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

Panel Chair 
Member
Member
The following documentary evidence for AFBCMR Docket Number BC- 2008-02541 was considered:

Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 27 Jun 08, w/atchs. Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C.	Letter, AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 29 Oct 08. Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 7 Nov 08.