RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-01159 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM) be upgraded to a Meritorious Service Medal (MSM). APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: His commander recommended him for a MSM. The package was reviewed by the Deputy Commander for Maintenance who was outside the applicant’s chain of command and returned the recommendation with instructions to downgrade the award based on the grade of the applicant. His commander argued the applicant’s accomplishments and dedication to the mission; however, reluctantly downgraded the original recommendation to an AFCM. Had the package followed the normal chain of command he would have been awarded an MSM. In support of his request, the applicant submits a copy of a signed AF Form 642, Recommendation for Decoration, signed by his squadron commander recommending award of an MSM and DD Form 214, Report of Separation from Active Duty. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 5 Jul 72. On 19 Dec 74, the applicant was furnished an Honorable discharge, and was credited with 3 years, 5 months, and 15 days of active service. The applicant’s DD Form 214 reflects the award of the following Air Force Medals and/or Ribbons: - Air Force Commendation Medal - National Defense Service Medal The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are contained in the memorandum prepared by the Air Force office of primary responsibility (OPR), which is attached at Exhibit C. AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSID recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice. The MSM is awarded to service members assigned to traditional single-service organizations and units, whereas the Defense Meritorious Service Medal is a Defense/Joint award that is awarded to service members assigned to qualifying joint activities. The MSM may be awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States. The MSM may be awarded for outstanding achievement or service while serving in a designated combat zone. The MSM may be awarded posthumously. The applicant provided a Recommendation for Decoration (AF Form 642) dated 15 Aug 75, for award of the MSM for outstanding service with award inclusive period of 23 May 73 to 18 Dec 75. It appears that the recommendation for award of the Meritorious Service Medal and the award of the Air Force Commendation Medal are for the same acts/achievement. as The AF Form 642 and Special Order G-459 reflect the award inclusive period and reflect the condition of outstanding/meritorious service. Therefore, it appears more likely than not that the Meritorious Service Medal recommendation was downgraded by the approval authority to the Air Force Commendation Medal. The applicant did not provide any proof of his claim of the recommendation for award of the Meritorious Service Medal being improperly processed which lead to the downgrade to the Air Force Commendation Medal; however, in the absence of any other documentation it can only be assumed that the original award approval authority, who was most knowledge of the applicant's act/achievement at the time it occurred, felt the applicant's actions warranted award of the Air Force Commendation Medal and not the Meritorious Service Medal. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit C. APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: On 5 Oct 14, the applicant responded to the Air Force Advisory in which he contends that the chain of command was not properly followed which resulted in his MSM being downgraded to an AFCM. 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, to include his rebuttal comments, 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 been the victim of an error of injustice. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting the requested relief. 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-2014-01159 in Executive Session on 26 Feb 15 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: , Panel Chair , Member , Member The following documentary evidence was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 17 Mar 14, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 1 Aug 14. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 29 Sep 14. Exhibit E. Applicant’s Letter, dated 5 Oct 14.