RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 

 AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS 

 

 

IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2011-01649 

 

 COUNSEL: NONE 

 

 HEARING DESIRED: YES 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: 

 

His records be corrected to reflect that he was awarded the 
Meritorious Service Medal (MSM). 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: 

 

He was presented the MSM by the base commander in 1980 and many 
members from his squadron were in attendance but he never 
received official documentation awarding him the medal. 

 

In support of the appeal, the applicant provides a personal 
statement and copies of his resume, extracts from his military 
personnel records, and a letter from the National Personnel 
Records Center (NPRC). 

 

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

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

STATEMENT OF FACTS: 

 

The applicant’s military personnel records reflect that he 
enlisted in the Reserves on 28 Sep 76 and was progressively 
promoted to the grade of staff sergeant (E-5). He was honorably 
discharged on 24 Jun 82. 

 

On 16 Mar 11, personnel from the NPRC notified the applicant that 
a search of his military personnel records did not reveal 
evidence that he was awarded the MSM. 

 

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are 
contained in the letter prepared by the appropriate office of the 
Air Force, which is attached at Exhibit C. 

 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 


AIR FORCE EVALUATION: 

 

AFRC/A1K recommends denial of the applicant’s request for award 
of the MSM. In accordance with AFI 36-2803, Air Force Awards and 
Decorations Program, Chapter 3, paragraph 3.1, recommendations 
for awards are required to be submitted as soon as possible 
following the act, achievement, or service. Each recommendation 
should be placed into official channels within two years and 
awarded within three years of the act, achievement, or service 
performed. A recommendation is placed in official channels when 
the recommending official signs the recommendation it is endorsed 
by a higher official in the chain of command. 

 

They reviewed the supporting documentation provided by the 
applicant in support of his case and conclude that no evidence in 
the form of a signed DECOR6, a citation, or any other type of 
supporting information related to a MSM decoration submission is 
evident to warrant granting the applicant’s request. They cannot 
support his claim that he received the MSM. His former unit was 
contacted to determine if they maintained a record of his MSM 
nomination package. Personnel from his former unit stated they 
have no record to support the applicant was recommended for award 
of an MSM. 

 

The complete AFRC/A1K evaluation is at Exhibit B. 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: 

 

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant 
on 29 Jul 11 for review and comment within 30 days. As of this 
date, no response has been received by this office (Exhibit C). 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

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 office of primary responsibility (OPR) and adopt 
its rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has 
not been the victim of an error or injustice. Therefore, we find 
no basis to recommend any corrections to the applicant’s record. 


 

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 the evidence presented did not 
demonstrate the existence of a 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. 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket 
Number BC-2011-01649 in Executive Session on 19 Jan 12, under the 
provisions of AFI 36-2603: 



 

The following documentary evidence was considered: 

 

 Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 15 Nov 11, w/atchs. 

 Exhibit B. Letter, AFRC/A1K, dated 16 Jul 11. 

 Exhibit C. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 29 Jul 11.