RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS


IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2013-05618

	 		COUNSEL:  NONE

			HEARING DESIRED:  NO 



APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to reflect he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM).  


APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He has a copy of the citation which accompanied the award of his AFCM; however, the AFCM is not annotated on his DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United 
States Report of Transfer or Discharge.  He would like to have a copy for his family to keep.  

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


STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant’s military personnel records indicate he enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 23 Jun 65.  

On 21 Sep 68, the applicant was furnished an honorable discharge, and was credited with 3 years, 2 months, and 29 days of total active service.  

On 24 Mar 14, AFPC/DPSID was able to verify the applicant’s entitlement to the following Air Force Awards and Medals and his records will be 
administratively corrected:  

		a.  Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor and one   
			Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster (AFOUA w/V & 1BOLC).

		b.  Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVNGC  
			w/P).

		c.  Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars  
			(VSM w/3BSS).  

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are described in the letter prepared by the Air Force office of primary responsibility (OPR), 
which is attached at Exhibit C.


AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSID recommends denial.  Although the applicant provided a citation, his official military personnel records did not contain official documentation 
such as the signed certificate or Special Order for award of an AFCM.  The Special Order is the official source documentation to verify award of the AFCM, 
without the Special Order, verification of the award could not be confirmed.  To grant relief would be contrary to the criteria established by DDM 1348.33, 
the Secretary of the Air Force, Chief of Staff, and/or the War Department. 

The Air Force Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States, below the grade of Colonel and foreign military personnel, 
who, while serving in any capacity with the Department of the Air Force after 28 March 1958, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or 
meritorious service.  After a thorough review of the applicant’s official military personnel records, verification could not be made of the applicant’s 
award of the AFCM.  

A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit C.


APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 8 Sep 14 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 an 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 provided sufficient evidence such as the signed certificate or Special Order 
for award of an AFCM.   Therefore, in view of the above and in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting any relief 
beyond that rendered administratively.  


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-2013-05618 in Executive Session on 28 Oct 14, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	Panel Chair
	Member
	Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 2 Dec 13, w/atch.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPSID, dated 24 Mar 14.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 8 Sep 14.