RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2011-04169
		COUNSEL:  NONE
		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He receive the Valor device to his previously awarded 
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was informed that his basic award of the DFC was upgraded to 
the DFC w/Valor; however, he did not keep any documentation 
concerning the upgrade.

The applicant's complete submission is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant served on active duty in the Air Force from 12 Dec 
61 to 29 Feb 84.

The DFC was established by Congress on 2 Jul 26 and is awarded 
for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in 
aerial flight.  

On 3 Jun 04, the Secretary of the Air Force (SECAF) authorized 
the wear of the Valor "V" Device on DFCs awarded for heroism. 

The applicant was awarded the DFC for extraordinary achievement 
on 5 Apr 71.  The applicant was also awarded the DFC, first Oak 
Leaf Cluster for extraordinary achievement on 12 Mar 71.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSIDRA recommends denial.  DPSIDRA was unable to verify 
Special Order G-3294 was amended to show the applicant’s DFC was 
upgraded from extraordinary achievement to heroism.

The DFC may be awarded to any person who, after 6 Apr 17, while 
serving in any capacity with the US Armed Forces, distinguished 
themselves by heroism or extraordinary achievement while 
participating in aerial flight.  Heroism or achievement must be 
entirely distinctive, involving operations that are not routine.  
The DFC is not awarded for sustained operational activities and 
flights.

The complete DPSIDRA evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 9 Dec 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).

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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 office of primary responsibility and adopt its 
rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not 
been the victim of an error or injustice.  The acts of heroism 
and personal sacrifice the applicant endured for our nation is 
noted; however, based on our review of the evidence of record 
and the documentation submitted in support of the appeal, we 
find the evidence insufficient to recommend award of the DFC 
with Valor.  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.

The following members of the Board considered Docket Number    
BC-2011-04169 in Executive Session on 18 Jan 12, under the 
provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 18 Oct 11, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPSIDRA, dated 23 Nov 11.                                                                  
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 9 Dec 11.