RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2016-02281

  						COUNSEL: NONE
 
						HEARING DESIRED: NO 

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge, be amended to reflect:

a. The Bronze Star Medal (BSM).

b. The Air Medal (AM) – Administratively Corrected.

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He reviewed his DD Form 214 after separating from the Air Force and now includes copies of the citation for the awards.  The citation for the Air Medal (AM) was destroyed in a fire.

The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 20 Feb 64.

On 14 Apr 68, the applicant received an honorable discharge with credit for 4 years, 1 months, and 25 days of active service.
	
AFPC/DP3SP has verified the applicant’s entitlement to the AM, Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars (VSM w/4BSS), and the Republic Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVNGC w/P) and will administratively correct the applicant’s records.

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.  The applicant supplied what appears to be an authentic copy of a signed certificate and citation for the Bronze Star Medal.  Should the Board approve, a Special Order will be accomplished so the applicant’s record can be corrected.

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 Dec 16 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 timely filed.

3.  Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice with regard to the applicant’s request to have his DD Form 214 amended to include the BSM.  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.  Additionally, we note the Air Force OPR has determined the applicant’s records should be corrected to reflect the AM, VSM w/4BSS, and the RVNGC w/P.  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 his DD Form 214, Report of Separation from Active Duty, issued in conjunction with his 14 Apr 68 separation, be amended in Item 24, Decorations, Medals, Badges, Commendations, Citations and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized, to include the Bronze Star Medal (BSM).

The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2016-02281 in Executive Session on 21 Sep 17 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

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

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 1 Jun 16, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DP3SP, dated 18 Oct 16.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 19 Dec 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.