RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2016-02849 

						COUNSEL:  NONE
	
						HEARING DESIRED:  NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM), signed 27 Jun 06, be changed to the Airman’s Medal (AMNM).

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

It states on his citation his selfless act involved the voluntary risk of life to save another. Air Force guidance reflects the AMNM is awarded to any person, serving in any capacity with the Air Force, for heroism involving the voluntary risk of life under conditions other than those of conflict with an armed enemy of the United States.  The AFCM is awarded for acts of courage which do not involve the voluntary risk of life.  

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant is a senior master sergeant in the Air Force Reserve.  

He was awarded the AFCM for an act of courage on 28 Aug 05 per Special Order G-187 dated 27 Jun 06.  

AFI 36-2803, The Air Force Military Awards and Decorations Program, reflects the AMNM is awarded for heroism involving voluntary risk of life or the saving of a life; the success of the voluntary heroic act is not required.  The AFCM is awarded for Acts of courage which do not involve the voluntary risk of life required for the AMNM.

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 denial.  The applicant’s chain of command initially submitted him for the AMNM.  However, per HQ AFPC memorandum, dated 27 Jun 06, the Air Force Decorations Board downgraded the medal to the AFCM.  The applicant has not provided any new evidence to support an error or injustice exists. 

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

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

In support of his response, the applicant provides a statement which reiterates, and expounds upon, his original contention, that since his submission clearly states there was a risk of life he meets the awarding criteria for the AMNM, and his medal was incorrectly downgraded.  

The applicant’s complete response, with attachments, is at Exhibit E.

THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

1.  The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by existing law or regulations.

2.  The application was timely filed. 

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.  Although we find his actions commendable, we see no evidence of either an error or an injustice in this case.  In this regard, we took note that the Decorations Board previously considered him for award of the AMNM and it is our opinion that the Decorations Board, who is authorized to make decisions in these matters on behalf of the Secretary, is in the best position to make this determination.  Evidence has not been provided which would lead us to believe that their decision was erroneous or unjust.  Therefore, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  In the absence of persuasive evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought

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-2016-02849 in Executive Session on 13 Mar 18 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603, Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, w/atchs, 3 Jul 16.
	Exhibit B.  Excerpts from Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Advisory, AFPC/DP3SP, 14 Oct 16.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, AFBCMR, 16 Aug 17.
	Exhibit E.  Applicant Rebuttal, w/atchs, 9 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 regarding AFBCMR Docket BC-2016-02849, and that the foregoing is a true and complete record of the Board's proceedings in the above entitled matter.