RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:				DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2008-03400
								INDEX CODE:  100.00
								COUNSEL:  NOT INDICATED
								HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge, be corrected to reflect award of the Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

The AFCM was presented to him prior to his discharge, but the order was not processed in time to be annotated on his DD Form 214, prior to his separation.

In support of the appeal, applicant submits a copy of his DD Form 214, and excerpts from his military personnel records.

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 30 Jun 66, for a term of four years, and was trained as an administrative specialist.  On 21 Nov 69 he was honorably discharged after completion of term of service.  He served a total of 3 years, 4 months, and 22 days active duty service.

His DD Form 214 issued in conjunction with his 21 Nov 69 honorable discharge, indicates that he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal.

The AFCM was authorized by the Secretary of the Air Force on 28 Mar 58, for award to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who while serving in any capacity with the Air Force after 24 Mar 58, shall have distinguished themselves by meritorious achievement or service.  ___________________________________________

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial of the applicant’s request and states, in part, that no official documentation was located in the applicant’s record to verify his entitlement to the AFCM.  He did provide a copy of his AFCM certificate but without the required special order to validate it, they recommend his request be denied.

The AFPC/DPSIDR evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the special order was never placed in his military personnel records after he was discharged, and evidently was lost.  He would like to be able to wear the medal proudly at Veterans functions and on his cap.  He proudly served for over three years and received numerous letters of commendation.

The applicant’s complete response, with attachments, 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.  Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an injustice.  The Board notes the applicant provided a signed copy of an AFCM certificate covering the period 22 Nov 66 to 21 Nov 69, with an approval date of 20 Nov 69.  We believe the special order that authenticated his AFCM may not have been placed in his military personnel records since he separated from active duty the following day on 21 Nov 69.  In view of the above, it is our opinion that the applicant’s entitlement to the AFCM should be resolved in his favor.  Accordingly, we recommend that his records be corrected to the extent indicated below.

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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that on 20 November 1969, he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for meritorious service during the period 22 November 1966 through 21 November 1969.

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The following members of the Board considered Docket Number BC-2008-03400 in Executive Session on 8 Jan 09, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

				Panel Chair
				Member
				Member

All members voted to correct the record, as recommended.  The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 15 Sep 08, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Memo, AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 10 Oct 08.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 31 Oct 08.
    Exhibit E.  Letter, Applicant, dated 24 Nov 08, w/atchs.