RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:			DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2016-00321
		
						COUNSEL:  NONE

						HEARING DESIRED:  NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

Her Air Force Commendation Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster (AFCM w/1OLC) awarded on 19 Jul 10, for meritorious service during the period 24 Dec 09 to 23 Jun 10, be corrected to reflect an AFCM w/2OLC.  

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

She has been awarded the AFCM w/1OLC twice.  She was first awarded the AFCM w/1OLC on 23 Apr 90, for meritorious service 31 Oct 87 to 19 Mar 90, then again on 19 Jul 10, for meritorious service 24 Dec 09 to 23 Jun 10. 

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

 According to copies of documents extracted from her Military Personnel Record (MPR), the applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 30 Jan 84 and was released on 19 Mar 90.  The applicant enlisted in the Air National Guard on 8 Jun 01 and on 30 Dec 15, she was furnished an honorable discharge, retired effective 1 Jan 16, and was credited with 20 years, 2 months, and 24 days of total service for retired pay.

On 5 Jan 88, the applicant was awarded the AFCM for meritorious service during the period 26 Apr 84 to 23 Oct 87.

On 19 Jul 10, the applicant was awarded the AFCM w/1OLC for meritorious service during the period 24 Dec 09 to 23 Jun 10.

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/DP2SP recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice.  The applicant has failed to submit this application in a timely manner.  

The Air Force Commendation Medal was authorized by the Secretary of the Air Force on 28 Mar 58 and is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States, below the grade of Colonel and foreign military personnel, who, while serving in any capacity with the Department of the Air Force, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service.  

After a thorough review of the applicant's official military personnel record, they were unable to verify award of the AFCM w/2OLC.  They were able to locate Special Order GA-029, awarding the applicant the AFCM for the period 26 Apr 84 to 23 Oct 87, and Special Order G-29560, awarding the applicant the AFCM w/1OLC for the period 24 Dec 09 to 23 Jun 10.  While the applicant provided a copy of the certificate awarding her the AFCM w/1OLC for the inclusive period from 31 Oct 87 to 19 Mar 90, there was no Special Order provided, nor was one located in the applicant’s record to verify the award.  The Special Order is the official source document for verification of award of a decoration.  Without the Special Order they cannot verify the award.  Should the applicant possess the Special Order, she may submit it to the board for further review.

A complete copy of the AFPC/DP2SP evaluation is at Exhibit C.

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

In support of her request, the applicant provides a copy of Special Order G-073, awarding her the AFCM w/1OLC for the period 31 Oct 87 to 19 Mar 90. 

A complete copy of the applicant’s response is at Exhibit E.

THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

1.  The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by existing law or regulations.

2.  The application was timely filed.

3.  Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or an injustice.  After a thorough review of the evidence of record and the applicant’s complete submission, to include her rebuttal, we believe the applicant is the victim of an error.  We note the comments of AFPC/DP2SP indicating relief should be denied because they were unable to verify the applicant was awarded the AFCM w/1OLC for the inclusive period from 31 Oct 87 to 19 Mar 90, as there was no Special Order provided, nor was one located in the applicant’s record; however, in her rebuttal, the applicant provided a copy of Special Order G-073, dated 27 Apr 90, awarding her the AFCM w/1OLC for the period 31 Oct 87 to 19 Mar 90.  Therefore, we recommend the applicant’s records 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 she was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster (AFCM w/1OLC) on 23 April 1990, for meritorious service 31 October 1987 to 19 March 1990, and the Air Force Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters (AFCM w/2OLC) on 19 July 2010, for meritorious service during the period 24 December 2009 to 23 June 2010.

The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2016-00321 in Executive Session on 24 Jan 17 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

All members voted to correct the records as recommended.  The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2016-00321 was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 22 Jan 16, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DP2SP, dated 13 Jul 16.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 7 Sep 16.
	Exhibit E.  Letter, applicant, received, 4 Oct 16, w/atchs.

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.