RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:			DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2016-02503

						COUNSEL:  NONE

						HEARING DESIRED:  NOT INDICATED

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

1.  The Meritorious Service Medal be added to his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.

2.  The Air Force Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters be added to his DD Form 214. (No action required)

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal shortly before he retired and was presented with a certificate and citation; however, he never received a special order.  He also has copies of special orders awarding him the Air Force Commendation Medal four times.

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant is a retired Master Sergeant.  His DD Form 214, Block 13, Decorations, Medals, Badges, Citations and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized (All Periods of Service), reflects “AF Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters.”

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/DP3SP recommends approval of the applicant’s request to add the Meritorious Service Medal to his DD Form 214.  While they are unable to locate a special order verifying award of the Meritorious Service Medal, the applicant provided a signed certificate and a citation with the official seal that appear to be authentic.

The Air Force Commendation Medal with three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters is already annotated on the applicant’s DD Form 214; therefore, no action is required.  Copies of the devices will be sent to the applicant.

AFPC/DP3SP was able to verify the applicant’s entitlement to the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.  Upon final Board decision, administrative correction of the applicant’s official military personnel record will be completed by AFPC/DP2STM.

A complete copy of the AFPC/DP3SP evaluation, with attachment, is at Exhibit C.

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 29 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 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 the DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, issued in conjunction with his 31 Aug 80 retirement, be amended in Block 13, Decorations, Medals, Badges, Citations and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized (All Periods of Service), to reflect the Meritorious Service Medal.

The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2016-02503 in Executive Session on 15 February 2018, 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, undated, w/atchs.
Exhibit B.  Master Personnel Records-Pertinent Extract.
Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DP3SP, dated 9 Dec 16, w/atch.
Exhibit D.  Letter, AFBCMR, dated 29 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 in the above entitled matter.