RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-02557 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His records be corrected to reflect award of the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM), first Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster (1BOLC). APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He was awarded the MSM (1BOLC) at his retirement, but it is not reflected on his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge 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 21 Apr 66. On 28 Feb 89, the applicant retired from active duty, and was credited with 22 years, 10 months, and 9 days of active service. According to Block 12, Decorations, Medals, Badges, Citations and Campaign Ribbons Awarded Authorized, the applicant was entitled to the MSM (basic award). The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are described in the memorandum prepared by the Air Force office of primary responsibility (OPR), which is included at Exhibit C. AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSID recommends granting the applicant’s request, indicating there is evidence of an error or injustice. The MSM is awarded to any member of the United States Armed Forces, or to any member of the Armed Forces of a friendly nation, for outstanding non-combatant meritorious service to the United States. Normally the acts of service rendered must be comparable to that required for the Legion of Merit (LOM) but in a duty of lesser, though considerable, responsibility. A Special Order is the official source document verifying approval of a decoration. A review of the applicant’s official military record failed to locate a Special Order for award of the MSM (1BOLC), and the applicant did not submit said order with his application. However, the applicant did submit an certificate and citation for the MSM (1BOLC) which appear to be authentic. Recommend the Board grant the applicant’s request based upon the submitted documentation. 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 17 Nov 14 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit D). 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.  Sufficient 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 and agree with the opinion and recommendation of AFPC/DPSID and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has been the victim of an error or injustice. Therefore, we recommend the applicant's records be corrected as indicated below. THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT: The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to the APPLICANT be corrected to show that on 28 February 1989, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, First Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster. The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-02557 in Executive Session on 16 Apr 15 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: Panel Chair Member Member All members voted to correct the records as recommended. The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-02557 was considered: Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 28 Jun 14, w/atchs. Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 22 Sep 14. Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 17 Nov 14.