RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 

 AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS 

 

IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2010-01549 

 

 COUNSEL: NONE 

 

 HEARING DESIRED: NO 

 

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THE APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: 

 

He be promoted to the grade of technical sergeant (TSgt/E-6) and 
that he be entitled to the Bronze Star Medal (BSM). 

 

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THE APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: 

 

While serving in the field, as a member of a “RAVENS” unit, from 
October 1970 to July 1971, he received verbal orders from his 
commander promoting him to the grade of TSgt and awarding him 
the BSM. He states that this was a standing order to pin on the 
stripes and wear the BSM after completing a classified mission 
in his former unit. Approval of his request will support his 
entitlement to receive benefits under the Combat-Related Special 
Compensation (CRSC) program. 

 

In support of his appeal, the applicant provides a copy of a 
letter he submitted to the Defense Finance and Accounting 
Service (DFAS) and supporting documents from his master 
personnel and Department of Veterans Affairs records (MPR/DVA). 

 

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

 

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STATEMENT OF FACTS: 

 

The relevant facts pertaining to this application, extracted 
from the applicant’s military records, are contained in the 
letter prepared by the appropriate office of the Air Force. 

 

On 21 Jul 10, the applicant’s record was administratively 
corrected to reflect his entitlement to the award of the Vietnam 
Service Medal, with two Bronze Service Stars (VSM, w/2BSS) and 
the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (RVCM). 

 

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THE AIR FORCE EVALUATION: 


 

AFPC/DPSOE recommends denial. They found no official 
documents/promotion orders in the applicant’s record to indicate 
he was ever selected or promoted to the grade of TSgt. Based on 
his Date of Rank (DOR) to SSgt, he would have been eligible for 
promotion consideration to TSgt under the Weighted Airman 
Promotion System (WAPS) beginning with cycle 71A6. DPSOE notes 
that they were unable to verify whether the applicant was 
considered or selected for promotion to TSgt because promotion 
history files are only maintained for a period of 10 years. 

 

The complete AFPC/DPSOE evaluation is at Exhibit C. 

 

AFPC/DPSIDRA recommends denial, stating, in part, no special 
order, recommendation, eyewitness statements, or proposed 
citation was provided by the applicant or located within the 
applicant’s military records. 

 

The BSM is awarded to any person who, after 6 Dec 41, while 
serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United 
States, distinguishes himself or herself by heroic or 
meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation 
in aerial flight…. 

 

The complete AFPC/DPSIDRA evaluation is at Exhibit D. 

 

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF THE AIR FORCE EVALUATION: 

 

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the 
applicant on 6 Aug 10 for review and comment within 30 days. As 
of this date, no response has been received by this office 
(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. 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 offices of primary responsibility and adopt 
their 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 basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this 
application. 

 

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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT: 

 

The applicant be notified the evidence presented did not 
demonstrate the existence of material error or injustice; the 
application was denied without a personal appearance; and 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 AFBCMR Docket 
Number BC-2010-01549 in Executive Session on 19 January 2011, 
under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: 

 

The following documentary evidence was considered: 

 

 Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 23 Apr 10, w/atchs. 

 Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. 

 Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSOE, dated 24 May 10. 

 Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 6 Aug 10.