RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2015-04455

						COUNSEL:  NONE

						HEARING DESIRED:  NO 

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Air Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster (AM w/1BOLC).

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was awarded the AM for 100 hours of combat; however, he flew over 210 hours of combat and should be awarded the AM w/1BOLC.

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant initially entered the United States Army (USA) on 12 Mar 44 as a Fighter Pilot.

According to the WD AGO Form 100, Separation Qualification Record, the applicant flew 71 combat missions totaling 210 combat hours.

On 13 Jan 46, the applicant received an honorable discharge and was credited with 1 year and 10 months of total active service.   

On 1 Jul 49, the applicant entered the Air Force Reserve (USAFR).

According to the AF Form 11, Officer Military Record, the applicant was awarded the AM w/1OLC.

On 13 Aug 65, the applicant received an honorable discharge from the USAFR.

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.  After a thorough review of the applicant's official military personnel record, DP3SP were unable to verify award of the AM w/1BOLC.  There is no official documentation, such as a recommendation or Special Order, in the applicant's official military personnel record, nor was any provided to verify he was recommended for or awarded the AM w/1BOLC.  The Special Order is the official source documentation for verification of an approved decoration.

The AM may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the United States Armed forces, subsequent to 8 Sep 39, distinguishes himself or herself by meritorious achievement while participation in an aerial flight.  The AM may be awarded for combat or non-combat action in recognition of single acts of valor, heroism, or merit while participation in aerial flight.  Additionally, it may be conferred for sustained meritorious achievement (distinction) in the performance of duties involving aerial flight.

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 10 Aug 16 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit D).  As of this date, no response has been received by this office.

FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS OF THE BOARD:

Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice.  After a careful review of the applicant's contentions, documentation submitted in support of the request, and the available evidence of record, we are not convinced the applicant has provided sufficient evidence for us to conclude that he is the victim of an error or injustice.  We also note the applicant did not file the application within three years after the alleged error or injustice was discovered, or should have been discovered, as required by Title 10, United States Code, Section 1552 and Air Force Instruction 36-2603.  Therefore, because we do not find it would be in the interest of justice to recommend granting relief, and the applicant has offered no plausible reason for the delay in filing the application, we cannot conclude it would be in the interest of justice to excuse the failure to timely file the application.  Accordingly, we find the application untimely.

THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The application was not timely filed and it would not be in the interest of justice to waive the untimeliness.  It is the decision of the Board, therefore, to reject the application as untimely.

The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2015-04455 in Executive Session on 13 Dec 16 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

				    , Panel Chair
					   , Member
				  , Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 13 Oct 15, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DP3SP, dated 14 Jul 16.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, AFBCMR, dated 10 Aug 16.

Pursuant to paragraph 1 of AFI 36-2603 (Title 32 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 865.1), it is certified that a quorum was present at the Board's review and deliberations, and that the foregoing is a true and complete record of the Board's proceedings in the above entitled matter.