RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS


IN THE MATTER OF: 	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-01203

			COUNSEL:  NONE

			HEARING DESIRED:  NO 



APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His retired pay be increased by ten percent due to being awarded 
the Airman’s Medal (AmnM) for heroism, including voluntary risk 
of life.


APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

Recipients of the AmnM, Silver Star (SS), and Distinguished 
Flying Cross (DFC) are entitled to a ten percent increase in 
retirement pay when the awards are bestowed for extraordinary 
heroism.

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


STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant served in the Washington Air National Guard in the 
grade of Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt) during the matter under 
review. 

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are 
contained in the memorandum prepared by the Air Force offices of 
primary responsibility (OPR), which are attached at Exhibits C 
and D.    


AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSID recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of 
an error or injustice.  On 12 May 04, the applicant was awarded 
the AmnM for heroism involving voluntary risk of life for his 
actions on 11 Jul 03.  In accordance with AFI 36-2803, the 
Secretary of the Air Force Personnel Council determines whether 
or not enlisted recipients of the SS, DFC, and AmnM qualify for 
a ten percent increase in retired pay due to extraordinary 
heroism.  At the time the applicant’s AmnM was approved, the 
policy in place was only to indicate if the ten percent increase 
in retirement pay was approved on the Special Order.  If the ten 
percent increase was not approved, no indication was made on the 
Special Order at that time.  The Secretary of the Air Force 
Personnel Council approved the award of the AmnM to the 
applicant for his action, at which time they also considered and 
disapproved award of the ten percent increase in retirement pay 
as the actions did not rise to the level of extraordinary 
heroism.  

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

AFPC/DPPRRP recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of 
an error or injustice.  The ten percent increase is not 
automatic to all retired members who have been awarded a 
decoration for heroism.  The law gives the Secretary of the Air 
Force the responsibility for determining what constitutes 
“extraordinary heroism.”  When enlisted members are awarded the 
AmnM, a Secretarial determination that the heroism was 
extraordinary is required.  On 12 May 2004, according to Special 
Order G-163, the Secretary of the Air Force considered the 
applicant for an additional ten percent retired pay in 
connection with the act of heroism that warranted the AmnM.  The 
determination was made that the act, while courageous, did not 
meet the “extraordinary heroism” criteria established by law for 
the additional retired pay.     

A complete copy of the AFPC/DPPRRP evaluation is at Exhibit D.


APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the 
applicant on 19 Sep 14 for review and comment within 30 days 
(Exhibit E).  As of this date, no response has been received by 
this office.


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 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-2014-01203 in Executive Session on 22 Jan 15, under 
the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 28 Feb 14, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 2 Jun 14.
	Exhibit D.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPPRRP, dated 1 Aug 14.
     	Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 19 Sep 14.