RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2011-01159 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His records be corrected to reflect award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He was awarded the DFC; however, it is not indicated on his DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge. In support of his request, the applicant provides copies of his citation and certificate for award of the DFC. The applicant's complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. _________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant served on active duty in the Air Force from 1 Jun 64 to 6 May 68. He was released from active duty on 6 May 68 and transferred to the Air Force Reserve. _________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: HQ AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial. DPSIDR states in the absence of a special order awarding the applicant the DFC they cannot verify his entitlement. The DFC is awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, shall have distinguished her/himself in actual combat in support of operations by heroism or extraordinary achievement. The complete DPSIDR evaluation is at Exhibit C. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: On 29 Jul 11, a copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant for review and comment within 30 days. To date, a response has not been received (Exhibit D). _________________________________________________________________ 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 error or injustice. After a thorough review of the evidence presented, we are persuaded relief is warranted. We note the applicant’s date of separation was 6 May 68 and the certificate for award of the DFC is dated 6 Jul 68; thus, it appears the applicant had already been released from active duty prior to being awarded the DFC, and therefore his DD Form 214 was not updated with this medal. As such, we believe the interest of justice can best be served by resolving any doubt in the applicant’s behalf. Therefore, we recommend his records be corrected to the extent indicated below. _________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT: The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to the APPLICANT, be corrected to show that on 6 July 1968, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a EC-47 Airborne Radio Intercept Operator over the Republic of Vietnam from 29 September 1967 to 19 November 1967. _________________________________________________________________ The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2011-01159 in Executive Session on 4 Oct 11, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: , Panel Chair , Member , Member All members voted to correct the records, as recommended. The following documentary evidence pertaining to Docket Number BC-2011-01159 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 28 Mar 11, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 20 Jul 11. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 29 Jul 11. Panel Chair