RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2016-02102 

						COUNSEL:  NONE

HEARING DESIRED:  NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM).

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

The AFCM was awarded after his release from active duty.

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 29 September 1967.

On 5 July 1972, the applicant was furnished an honorable discharge and was credited with 5 years and 1 day of active service.

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 approval, indicating the applicant supplied what appears to be an authentic copy of a signed certificate and citation for the AFCM for the inclusive period from 29 March 1969 to 15 June 1972.  However, they were unable to locate a special order for award of the AFCM.  The Special Order is the official source documentation for award of the AFCM.  Should the Board approve, a Special Order will be accomplished so the applicant’s record can be corrected.  However, should the applicant possess a copy of the special order awarding him the AFCM, DP3SP recommend he provide it to the Board for review.

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 19 December 2016 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.  Sufficient 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 and agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force OPR and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has been the victim of an error or injustice.  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 on 5 July 1972, he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal.

The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2016-02102 in Executive Session on 14 November 2017 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603, Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records:

All members voted to correct the records as recommended.  The following documentary evidence was considered:

Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 16 May 2016, w/atchs.
Exhibit B.  Excerpts from Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DP3SP, dated 16 September 2016.
Exhibit D.  Letter, AFBCMR, dated 19 December 2016, w/atch.

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 pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2016-02102 in the above entitled matter.