RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 

 AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS 

 

IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2011-02465 

 COUNSEL: NONE 

 HEARING DESIRED: NO 

 

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: 

 

He be entitled to the Valor device to his previously awarded 
Bronze Star Medal (BSM). 

 

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: 

 

He was originally submitted for award of the BSM with Valor (BSM 
w/V) for a film mission during combat in Vietnam; however, he 
told his commanding officer he did not feel “valorous” so his 
commanding officer submitted the award for BSM as opposed to the 
BSM w/V. He misunderstood what the “V” represented and would 
like his BSM updated to the BSM w/V. 

 

In support of his request, the applicant provides a copy of his 
award elements, his DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United 
States Report of Transfer or Discharge, and a copy of his last 
Officer Effectiveness Report. 

 

The 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 28 Dec 62, 
for a period of two years. On 14 Mar 67, the applicant was 
honorably released from active duty as an officer. He was 
credited with 4 years, 2 months, and 17 days of active duty 
service, including 1 year 5 months, and 19 days of foreign 
service. 

 

The BSM is awarded to a person in any branch of the military 
service who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces 
of the United States on or after 7 Dec 41, shall have 
distinguished himself by heroic or meritorious achievement or 
service, not involving participation in aerial flight, in 


connection with military operations against an armed enemy. When 
awarded for heroism, the Bronze Star Medal is annotated by a 
bronze "V" device (to designate valor). Only one "V" device will 
be worn on the medal or ribbon regardless of the number of times 
awarded. 

 

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THE AIR FORCE EVALUATION: 

 

AFPC/DPSIDRA recommends denial. DPSIDRA states the applicant was 
awarded the BSM for meritorious service from 6 Jan 66 to 24 Feb 
67; however, the valor device is authorized only when the BSM is 
awarded for heroism. The applicant’s elements indicate he was 
awarded the BSM for meritorious service not heroism. 

 

The complete DPSIDR evaluation is at Exhibit C. 

 

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF THE AIR FORCE EVALUATION: 

 

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the 
applicant on 26 Aug 11 for review and comment within 30 days. 
As of this date, no response has been received by this office 
(Exhibit D). 

 

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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. After a 
thorough review of the available evidence and the applicant’s 
complete submission, we are not persuaded that he should be 
awarded the BSM w/V. Therefore, we agree with the opinion and 
recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility 
and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the 
applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice. In 
the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis upon 
which to recommend granting relief sought in this application. 

 

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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. 

 

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The following members of the Board considered this application 
in Executive Session on 7 Feb 12, under the provisions of AFI 
36-2603: 

 

 

The following documentary evidence was considered in AFBCMR BC-
2011-02465: 

 

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

 Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. 

 Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSIDRA, dated 4 Aug 11. 

 Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 26 Aug 11.