RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:			DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2012-05802

							COUNSEL:  NONE

							HEARING DESIRED:  NO

________________________________________________________________

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: 

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

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

His MSM was finalized and signed after his official retirement 
date of 31 August 2011.

In support of the appeal, the applicant submits his DD Form 214, 
Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, Retirement 
Order, MSM Certificate and enlisted performance reports.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant is a former member of the Air Force who retired on 
1 September 2011 in the grade of master sergeant.

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are 
contained in the letter prepared by the Air Force office of 
primary responsibility which is contained at Exhibit B.

_______________________________________________________________

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSID recommends approval.  The Meritorious Service Medal 
is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces who distinguished 
themselves by either outstanding achievement or meritorious 
service to the United States.  

The applicant provided a signed certificate for the MSM dated 
17 October 2011 that appears to be authentic; however, no 
Special Order was provided or could be located within his 
official military personnel record.  The Special Order 
officially authorizes the award of a decoration.  Without that 
order DPSID could not verify he was awarded the medal.  The 
applicant was contacted for a copy of the Special Order; 
however, he indicated he did not have the documentation to 
provide. 

The certificate and citation provided by the applicant appear 
authentic.  His records will be updated accordingly should the 
Board grant his request.

The complete DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit B.  

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the 
applicant on 17 February 2013, for review and comment within 
30 days (Exhibit C).  As of this date, this office has received 
no response.

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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 timely filed.

3.  Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to 
demonstrate the existence of error or injustice.  Although the 
applicant was unable to provide a copy of the special order 
awarding him the MSM, we find the documentation provided 
sufficient to conclude he was awarded the MSM.  Therefore, we 
agree with the Air Force office of primary responsibility that 
that the certificate and citation provided appear to be 
authentic and recommend the record be corrected as indicated 
below.  

________________________________________________________________

THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air 
Force relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that on 
17 October 2011, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.

________________________________________________________________



The following members of the Board considered BCMR Docket Number 
BC-2012-05802 in Executive Session on 24 September 2013, under 
the provisions of AFI 36-2603:


All members voted to correct the record, as recommended. The 
following documentary was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 11 Dec 12, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Letter, AFPC/DPSID, dated 25 Jan 13.
	Exhibit C.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 17 Feb 13.