RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2015-01256 COUNSEL: HEARING DESIRED: YES APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His Air Force Commendation Medal with four Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters (AFCM w/4BOLC) is upgraded to the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM). APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He should have been awarded the MSM for his extraordinary service over 20 years in the United States Air Force. Over his entire career, there is nothing of disciplinary or negative nature. He feels the MSM more accurately reflects his service to his country and the Air Force. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: On 30 Mar 95, the applicant entered the Regular Air Force. On 19 Dec 14, he received the AFCM w/4BOLC for meritorious service for the inclusive period 21 Feb 09 to 1 Apr 15. On 31 Mar 15, the applicant was relieved from active duty and retired, effective 1 Apr 15. He was credited with 20 years and 1 day of active service. The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are contained in the memorandum prepared by the Air Force office of primary responsibility (OPR), which is attached at Exhibit C. AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSID recommends disapproval for upgrade of the AFCM 4/BOLC to the MSM. After a thorough review of the applicant’s official military personnel record, DPSID was unable to verify upgrade of the AFCM w/4BOLC to the MSM with three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters (MSM w/3BOLC). The applicant previously submitted two requests directly to DPSID’s office (through legal counsel), the first of which was submitted before the applicant had retired; therefore he was advised to work within his chain of command. The applicant then submitted a second request for the upgrade advising he has since retired. In the last correspondence to the applicant, DPSID advised in order for his request to be reasonably considered, he would need to submit a decoration package for consideration which needed to consist of the following: a signed recommendation for upgrade of the AFCM w/4BOLC to the MSM from someone with firsthand knowledge of the act/achievement, preferably from within his direct chain of command at the time the act/achievement occurred, a proposed citation, and eyewitness statement attesting to the act/achievement. The applicant submitted this request before DPSID had the ability to provide him a response to the request he submitted directly to their office; therefore, he did not receive DPSID’s letter dated 8 Jun 15 advising the applicant what is required in order for his request to be reasonably considered. To grant relief would be contrary to the criteria established by DoDM 1348.33, Manual of Military Decorations and Awards, the Secretary of the Air Force, the Chief of Staff, and/or the War Department. The MSM is awarded to any member of the United States Armed Forces, or to any member of the Armed Forces of a friendly foreign nation, for outstanding non-combat meritorious achievement or outstanding non-combat meritorious service to the United States. Normally the acts or services rendered must be comparable to that required for the Legion of Merit but in a duty of lesser though considerable responsibility. 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 28 Oct 15 for review and comment within 30 days. The applicant responded with supporting documentation that was not included in the initial request for the AFCM upgrade to MSM. He provides copies of the commendation request as well as narratives and eyewitness statements by commanding officers for his 20 years of military service. A complete copy of the APPLICANT’s rebuttal is at Exhibit D. THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT: 1. The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by existing law or regulations. 2. The application was timely filed. 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, including attachments, in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force OPR and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error of injustice. While we acknowledge the applicant’s request to upgrade his AFCM w/4BOLC to the MSM w/3BOLC, we do not believe he has demonstrated evidence of an injustice, as compared to others in his similar situation. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting the requested relief. 4. The applicant’s case is adequately documented and it has not been shown that a personal appearance with or without counsel will materially add to our understanding of the issues involved. Therefore, the request for a hearing is not favorably considered. 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 documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2015-01256 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 5 Mar 15, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 14 Sep 15. Exhibit D. Letter, APPLICANT, dated 13 Nov 15.