RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2016-01351 

						COUNSEL:  NONE

						HEARING DESIRED:  NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the 10 percent increase to his retirement pay entitlement, for heroism.

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was awarded the Airman’s Medal (AmnM) for voluntarily risking his life.  However, the 10 percent increase to retirement pay entitlement was not identified on the special order.

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 8 Sep 82.

Special Order GB-615, dated 27 Sep 85, awards the applicant the AmnM for heroism involving voluntary risk of life under conditions other than those of conflict with an armed enemy of the United States.

The awarding citation indicates the applicant encountered an automobile accident, rushed to the aid of a vehicle occupant who was pinned beneath the steering column, and with total disregard for his own life, forced open the driver’s door, extricated the occupant, and moved him to safety just prior to the vehicle exploding and being fully engulfed in flames.  

On 5 Nov 10, the applicant was furnished an honorable discharge, and was credited with 8 years and 4 days of active service but continued to serve in the Reserve Component.  

On 15 Nov 10, the applicant was placed on the Retired Reserve list.

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:

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

While the applicant’s actions were indeed heroic, they did not rise to the level to credit him with extraordinary heroism.  The Decorations Board noted the award citation credits the applicant with rushing to the aid of one vehicle occupant and moving him to safety prior to the vehicle exploding and being fully engulfed in flames.  Although a newspaper article reports the applicant also checked a second vehicle for survivors prior to it too exploding in flames, the Board found this act (which the newspaper article described as a “quick check” and which did not require entering the second vehicle or any other rescue feats) did not elevate the applicant’s actions to the level of extraordinary heroism. 

A complete copy of the SAFPC 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 3 Apr 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, we 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 not been the victim of an error of injustice.  Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting the requested relief.

THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

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-2016-01351 in Executive Session on 3 Aug 17 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	Panel Chair
	Member
	Member

The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2016-01351 was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 30 Mar 16, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Excerpts from Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, SAFPC, dated 25 Jan 17.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, AFBCMR, dated 3 Apr 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.