RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-03478 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: The following be updated on his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty: Award of the Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM) with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster (w/1BOLC); Award of the Air Force Good Conduct Medal (AFGCM) w/1BOLC; (Administratively corrected). APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He does not know why the awards were not listed on his retirement DD Form 214. His 5 Jan 71 DD Form 214 indicates he was awarded the AFGCM w/1OLC. He is currently preparing his internment as he is very ill. He would like to be recognized with full military honors for his military contributions during the internment. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: On 31 Aug 51, the applicant entered the Regular Air Force. On 13 Oct 69, by Special Order G-118, he was awarded the AFCM for meritorious service during the period 18 Jul 66 through 30 Sep 69. On 31 Mar 74, the applicant was relieved from active duty and retired, effective 1 Apr 74. He was credited with 20 years, 6 months and 25 days of active service and 22 years and 7 months service for pay. AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSID recommends approval. While DPSID was unable to verify award of the AFCM w/1BOLC after review of the applicant’s official military personnel record, the applicant provided a citation with the official seal and a signed certificate which appear to be authentic. In addition, DPSID verified award of the AFGCM with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters. The AFCM 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 24 March 1958, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service. Based on DPSID’s thorough review of the applicant’s official military personnel record, they were able to determine that the below Air Force Medals and/or Ribbons should have been awarded during the applicant’s service from 31 Aug 51 to 31 Mar 74 and were not reflected in his records. Upon final board decision, administrative correction of the applicant’s official military personnel record will be completed by AFPC/DPSOR: *Bronze Star Medal (BSM) *Air Force Longevity Service Award with four Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters (AFLSA w/4BOLC) *Air Force Good Conduct Medal with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters (AFGCM w/2BOLC) *Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars (VSM w/3BSS) *Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVNGC w/P) *Vietnam Campaign Medal (VCM) The complete DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit C. APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: A member of the applicant’s family responded to the SAF/MRBR Memorandum dated 17 Feb 15 stating the applicant had passed away 11 Sep 14 an no further research was necessary. 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, including the citation with official seal and signed certificate, in judging the merits of the case and agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility 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 His DD Form 214, Report of Separation from the Armed Forces of the United States, issued in conjunction with his 31 Mar 1974 retirement, be amended to read in block 27, Decorations, Medals, Badges, Commendations, Citations and Campaign ribbons Awarded or Authorized, the Air Force Commendation Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster. All members voted to correct the records as recommended. The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-03478 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 21 Aug 14, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 24 Nov 14. Exhibit D. Letter, Applicant’s family, dated 2 Mar 15.