ADDENDUM TO RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2015-02799

XXXXXXXX	COUNSEL: NONE
	
	HEARING REQUESTED: YES

APPLICANT’S REQUEST

The Board reconsider his request for award of the Air Medal (AM), with devices.

RESUME OF THE CASE

The applicant was permanently retired as an Air Force major (O-4), by reason of physical disability retirement, effective 1 Nov 69, with credit for 21 years, 1 month and 7 days of active service.  On 20 Sep 16, the Board considered and denied his request for the appropriate number of Air Medals (AMs) for over 100 missions as an active duty pilot, finding that the applicant had provided insufficient evidence of an error or injustice to justify relief.

For an accounting of the applicant’s original request and the rationale of the earlier decision, see the AFBCMR Letter and Record of Proceedings at Exhibit E.

On 18 Sep 17, the applicant requested reconsideration of his request.  He again contends he served as a pilot for 17 years, and flew over 100 missions.  He was previously notified he needed statements from individuals who could account for his service; however, all individuals he had contact with have passed away.  In support of his request he provided temporary duty orders to Vietnam.  The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit F.

APPLICABLE AUTHORITY

AFI 36-2803, The Air Force Military Awards and Decorations Program, Table 3.1. AM, is awarded for:  

1.  Heroism or meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.

2.  The required achievement to warrant award of the AM is less than that required for the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), but must be accomplished with distinction above and beyond that expected of professional airmen. 

3.  Both heroism and achievement must be entirely distinctive, involving operations that are not routine. 

4.  Not awarded for sustained operational activities and flights. 

AIR FORCE EVALUATION

AFPC/DP3SP recommends denying the application.  There is insufficient documentation to verify award of the AM.  On 3 Sep 19, the applicant was notified to provide additional supporting documentation, specifically a signed recommendation from someone with firsthand knowledge of the act/achievement (preferably from someone within his chain of command), a proposed citation, and eyewitness statements.  However, no additional documentation was received.  The complete advisory opinion is at Exhibit G.

APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION

The Board sent a copy of the advisory opinion to the applicant on 2 Dec 19 for comment (Exhibit H), but has received no response.

FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION

After reviewing all Exhibits, the Board remains unconvinced the evidence presented demonstrates an error or injustice.  The Board concurs with the rationale and recommendation of AFPC/DP3SP and finds a preponderance of the evidence does not substantiate the applicant’s contentions.  Therefore, the Board recommends against correcting the applicant’s records.

The applicant has not shown a personal appearance, with or without counsel, would materially add to the Board’s understanding of the issues involved.

RECOMMENDATION

The Board recommends informing the applicant the evidence did not demonstrate material error or injustice, and the Board will reconsider the application only upon receipt of relevant evidence not already presented.

CERTIFICATION

The following quorum of the Board, as defined in Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2603, Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR), paragraph 1.5, considered Docket Number BC-2015-02799 in Executive Session on 6 May 20:

, Panel Chair
, Panel Member
, Panel Member

All members voted against correcting the record.  The panel considered the following:

Exhibit E:	Record of Proceedings, w/ Exhibits A-D, dated 20 Sep 16.
Exhibit F:	Application, DD Form 149, w/atchs, dated 18 Sep 17.
Exhibit G:	Advisory opinion, AFPC/DP3SP, w/atch, dated 11 Nov 19. 
Exhibit H:	Notification of advisory, SAF/MRBC to applicant, dated 2 Dec 19.

Taken together with all Exhibits, this document constitutes the true and complete Record of Proceedings regarding AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2015-02799, as required by AFI 36-2603, paragraph 4.11.9.