RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:			DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2015-02948
		
						COUNSEL:  NONE

						HEARING DESIRED:  NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to reflect that he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM).

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was awarded the AFCM after he separated from the Air Force.

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force 10 Dec 84.  

On 9 Jan 90, the applicant received an honorable discharge, and was credited with 5 years and 11 months of active service.

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are described in the memorandum prepared by the Air Force office of primary responsibility (OPR), which is included at Exhibit C.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DP3SP recommends granting the applicant’s request, indicating there is evidence of an error or injustice.  After a thorough review of the applicant's official military personnel record, DP3SP was unable to verify award of the AFCM.  However, the applicant provided a signed certificate and a citation that appears to be authentic.

The AFCM is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States, below the grade of Colonel [sic] and foreign military personnel, who, while serving in any capacity with the Department of the Air Force after 28 Mar 58, distinguished themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service.

Based on a review of the applicant's official military personnel record, the applicant should have been awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with One Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster (AFOUA w/1BOLC) during his service from 10 Dec 84 to 9 Jan 90.  Administrative correction of the applicant's official military personnel record will be completed by AFPC/DP2STM.

A complete copy of the AFPC/DP3SP 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 13 Apr 16 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 (OPR) and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has been the victim of an error or injustice.  We note the Air Force OPR has verified the applicant’s entitlement to the AFOUA w/1BOLC and will correct his records administratively.  Therefore, in addition to the aforementioned administrative correction, we recommend the applicant's record 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: 

a.  His AF Form 2224, Air Force Commendation Medal (With Signature Line), be accepted for file and the “GIVEN UNDER MY HAND” date be amended to reflect 8 Jan 90, instead of 23 Mar 90.

	b.  His DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, issued in conjunction with his 9 Jan 90 separation, be amended in Item 13, Decorations, Medals, Badges, Citations and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized, to include the Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM).

The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2015-02948 in Executive Session on 20 Sep 16 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 13 Jul 15, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DP3SP, dated 8 Apr 16, w/atch.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, AFBCMR, dated 13 Apr 16.