RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2016-00804 

						COUNSEL:  NONE

						HEARING DESIRED:  NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Air Medal (AM) for meritorious achievements while participating in aerial flight in actual combat in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM from Dec 10 to May 11.

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

In accordance with AFI 36-2803, Awards and Decorations, he flew the required amount of combat missions for award of the AM.  Required documentation was submitted twice for award of the AM; however, it has not yet been awarded.

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 3 Jan 85.

On 29 Sep 12, the applicant was furnished an honorable discharge, and was credited with 26 years, 8 months, and 27 days of total service for retired pay.   

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/DP2SP recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice.

The AM may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the US Armed Forces, subsequent to 8 Sep 39, distinguishes himself/herself by meritorious achievement while participation in 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.

The applicant provided several AFTO Forms 781, Mission Data, as verification of mission flights.  He also provided an email from an Air National Guard member, dated 17 Nov 11, indicating that a package for the AM was "in the system."  However, no other documentation was provided to indicate what was submitted or to whom.

There is no official documentation, such as a recommendation or Special Order, in the applicant's official military personnel record, nor was any provided with this request, to verify he was recommended for or awarded the AM.  In order to reasonably consider the applicant's request, he will need to submit a recommendation from someone with firsthand knowledge of the act/achievement, preferably from someone within the applicant's chain of command at the time of the act/achievement, a proposed citation, and eyewitness statements from those who can attest to the act/achievement.

A complete copy of the AFPC/DP2SP 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 24 Feb 17 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.  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, the Board majority agrees with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error of injustice.  While the applicant provided an email from the AES/DOE indicating his award recommendation package was submitted, there is also a comment that his package had not left the base, and no documentation confirming the recommendation was finalized.  Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, the majority of the Board finds no basis to recommend granting the requested relief.

RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD:

A majority of the Board does not find evidence of error or injustice and recommends the application be denied.

The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2016-00804 in Executive Session on 7 Sep 17 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

By a majority vote, the Board recommended denial of the application.  Mr. Cleveland voted to correct the record and has submitted a minority report which is attached at Exhibit E.  The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2016-00804 was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 26 Feb 16, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Excerpts from Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DP2SP, dated 21 Jun 16.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, AFBCMR, dated 24 Feb 17.
	Exhibit E.  Minority Report, dated 22 Sep 17.
	
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.