RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:			DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2014-04374

					COUNSEL:  NONE

					HEARING DESIRED:  NO


APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His awarded Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM) be added to his DD 
Form 214, Armed Forces of the United State Report of Transfer or 
Discharge, issued in conjunction with his 11 May 70 discharge.


APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

His paperwork for the AFCM was issued at the very end of his 
enlistment and was not reflected on his DD Form 214.

The Board should find it in the interest of justice to consider 
his untimely application because he never understood his medals; 
and maybe felt at the time that it did not matter.  The applicant 
notes that he discovered this error “recently.”

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


STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 18 May 66, the applicant initially entered the Regular Air 
Force.  

On 11 May 70, the applicant was furnished an honorable discharge 
and was credited with 3 years, 11 months, and 24 days of active 
service, including 11 months and 9 days of foreign service.

He was awarded of the National Defense Service Medal (NDSM), the 
Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign 
Medal (RVCM).

On 16 Feb 15, the applicant’s record was administratively 
corrected to reflect award of the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award 
with Valor and One Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster (AFOUA w/V and lBOLC); 
the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVNGC w/P) and 
his VSM was changed to read Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze 
Service Stars (VSM w/4BSS)




AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSID recommends approval, indicating while they were unable 
to locate the Special Order awarding the AFCM, the applicant has 
provided a citation with an official seal, and the applicant's AF 
Form 7, Airman Military Record, lists the AFCM as being awarded to 
the applicant.  Should the board grant the relief sought, the 
applicant's DD Form 214 will be updated to reflect award of the 
AFCM.

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 24 Mar 58, distinguish 
themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service.

The complete DPSID evaluation, with attachment, is at Exhibit C.


APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant 
on 13 Mar 15 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 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, Armed Forces of the United State Report of Transfer or 
Discharge, issued on 11 May 70, be amended to reflect the Air 
Force Commendation Medal (AFCM).


The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number 
BC-2014-04374 in Executive Session on 2 Jul 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 was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 21 Oct 14, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPSID, dated 16 Feb 15.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 13 Mar 15.