RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS


IN THE MATTER OF: 				DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-04444

 						COUNSEL:  NONE

						HEARING DESIRED:  NO 



APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Bronze Star Medal (BSM).  


APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He should have been awarded the BSM for his duties at the Clark 
AB, Philippines command post during Operation BABY LIFT, 
Operation NEW LIFE and the evacuation of Vietnam.  

All of the command post personnel received the BSM except him.  
He was told records were missing of personnel who had rotated 
from the unit prior to the submission.

The Board should find it in the interest of justice to consider 
his untimely application as an individual’s honorable service is 
a testament to a person’s character and devotion to their 
country.  If a person is entitled and deserving of the award no 
time limits should be imposed.  

The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.


STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 30 Apr 91, the applicant was retired in the grade of Master 
Sergeant (MSgt, E-7).  He was credited with 20 years, 7 months 
and 25 days of active duty service.   

The BSM authorized by Executive Order 9419 on 4 Feb 44 is 
awarded to a person in any branch of the military service who, 
while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the 
United States on or after 7 Dec 41 shall have distinguished 
himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or 
service, not involving participation in aerial flight, in 
connection with military operations against an armed enemy.      




AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSID recommends denial.  There is no evidence in the 
applicant’s record, nor did the applicant present any, to 
support award of the BSM.  Furthermore, there is insufficient 
documentation to reasonably consider the applicant’s request.  
In order to reasonably consider the request, the applicant needs 
to submit a recommendation from someone with firsthand knowledge 
of the act/achievement preferably from someone within his chain 
of command at the time of the act/achievement, a proposed 
citation and eye witness statements of those who can attest to 
the act/achievement for which he is requesting the BSM.  DPSID 
also recommends disapproval due to the fact that the request was 
not filed in a timely manner.  To grant relief would be contrary 
to the criteria established by DODM 1348.33, Manual of Military 
Decorations and Awards, Secretary of the Air Force and Chief of 
Staff. 

Based on a review of the applicant’s record, DPSID was able to 
determine that the applicant should have been awarded the Korean 
Defense Service Medal (KDSM) for his service from 23 Mar 66 to 
30 Apr 91.  Upon the Board’s final decision, administrative 
correction of the applicant’s record will be completed by 
AFPC/DPSOR.  

A complete copy of the DPSID evaluation, with attachment, is at 
Exhibit C.

SAF/MRBP concurs with the recommendation of DPSID to disapprove 
the applicant’s request.  The applicant has not provided any 
evidence to support his claim, nor any evidence a member of his 
chain of command nominated him for the BSM.

A complete copy of the MRBP evaluation is at Exhibit D.  


APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the 
applicant on 9 Mar 15 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 opinions and 
recommendations of the Air Force offices of primary 
responsibility and adopt the rationale expressed as the basis 
for our conclusion the applicant has failed to sustain his 
burden of proof that he has been the victim of an error of 
injustice.  Therefore, aside from the administrative correction 
for award of the KDSM, 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-2014-04444 in Executive Session on 10 Jun 15 under the 
provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	 , Panel Chair
	 , Member
	 , Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 30 Oct 14, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 29 Jan 15, w/atch.
	Exhibit D.  Memorandum, SAF/MRBP, undated.
	Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 9 Mar 15.