RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2015-03625

COUNSEL:  NONE

						HEARING DESIRED:  NO 

APPLICANT REQUESTS:

Her late husband (the member) be awarded the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with on Bronze Service Star (SAEMR w/1BSS).

APPLICANT CONTENDS:

Her husband always talked about his marksmanship skills and how proud he was of them.  His records should reflect award of this decoration, but it is missing from his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. 

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The member initially entered the Regular Air Force on 23 Jun 60.

On 22 Mar 65, the member was furnished an honorable discharge, and was credited with 4 years and 9 months of total active service.  His DD Form 214 reflected award of the basic SEAMR.  

On 5 Feb 16, AFPC/DP1SP directed the member’s DD Form 214, dated 22 Mar 65, be corrected to add the Air Force Longevity Service Award (AFLSA).  

According to the documentation submitted by the applicant, her husband passed away on 26 Feb 16.  

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/DP3SP recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice.  The SAEMR is awarded to all United States Air Force members who after 1 Jan 63, qualify as "expert" in small-arms marksmanship with either the M-16 rifle or issue handgun.  Qualification as "expert" in both weapons after 22 Jun 72 shall be denoted by a bronze service star worn on the service ribbon.
A thorough review of the member’s official military personnel record did not verify he was awarded the SAEMR w/1BSS.  On 26 Oct 94, he was awarded the SAEMR under 7th Bombardment Wing Special Order G-60, dated 30 Oct 64, however, there is no documentation verifying he qualified with both the M-16 and handgun.  However, AFPC did identify the member qualified for award of the Air Force Longevity Service Award (AFLSA) for his service during the period 23 Jun 60 through 22 Mar 65.  The member’s records will be administratively corrected to add the AFLSA.  Recommend disapproval of award of any decorations beyond that administrative correction.

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 17 Mar 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:

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 in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of AFPC/DP3SP and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error of injustice.  The Board notes the applicant was awarded the basic SAEMR during his period of active duty service, and his DD Form 214 properly reflects award of said decoration.  In addition, on 5 Feb 16 the applicant’s record was administratively corrected to add award of the AFLSA to his DD Form 214.  The Board does not recommend granting additional relief beyond the administrative correction made to the applicant’s record to date.  Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting the requested relief.

THE BOARD DETERMINES:

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-2015-03625 in Executive Session on 21 Jul 16 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	Panel Chair
	Member
	Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 18 Aug 15, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DP3SP, dated 5 Feb 16.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 17 Mar 16.