RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2012-03604 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: 1. His name be spelled correctly on his Air Medal certificate. 2. He be awarded the Air Medal, with One Oak Leaf Cluster (AM, w/1OLC). ________________________________________________________________ THE APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He should be awarded an additional AM based on his service which was highlighted in the Air Force Times, Berlin Airlift Veterans Association, and the Task Force Times. He was called the “High Time Pilot” for his service during the “Airlift” and was offered a choice assignment to Greece as a result. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. ________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: On 16 Feb 49, the applicant was awarded the AM for his meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight from 2 Jul 48 – 26 Oct 48. On 1 Jul 64, the applicant was retired in the grade of lieutenant colonel. He was credited with 23 years, 5 months, and 4 days of active service for retirement. ________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSID recommends denial, and states, in part, that there is not sufficient documentation to award an Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal. DPSID was able to verify the misspelling of applicant’s name on his previously awarded AM and the element has been administratively corrected with the correct spelling of his last name. In addition, they noted that retroactive recommendations for awards for retirees/veterans beyond the 2 year time limitation must be submitted in accordance with Title 10, Section 1130, United States Code. The law allows for the submission of award recommendations (and the upgrading of previously approved awards) without regard to any previously imposed time constraints for submission if referred by a Member of Congress. The complete DPSID evaluation, with attachments, is at Exhibit C. ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 11 Jan 13 for review and comment within 30 days. As of this date, no response has been received by this office (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. Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice. After thoroughly reviewing the evidence of record and noting the applicant’s contentions, we are not persuaded that he should be entitled to an additional AM. In this respect, we note the articles concerning the applicant’s service during the Berlin Airlift is noted; however, it does not demonstrate that he was recommended and approved for award of an additional AM. In view of the above and in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting further relief in this application. ________________________________________________________________ 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 AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2012-03604 in Executive Session on 11 Jun 13, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: The following documentary evidence was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 13 Aug 12, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSID, dated 9 Oct 12. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 11 Jan 13.