RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2016-04180

XXXXXXXX	COUNSEL: XXXXXXXX
	
	HEARING REQUESTED: NO

APPLICANT’S REQUEST

1.  His social security number (SSAN) be corrected (administratively corrected).

2.  Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) (administratively corrected).

3.  Award of the appropriate Oak Leaf Clusters (OLC) to the Air Medal (AM).

4.  Award of the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVNGC w/P) (administratively corrected).

5.  Clarification of what the “AFGM” is, identified on his DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge.

6.  DD Form 214 include the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (AFOUA) (administratively corrected).

7.  Award of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM).

8.  Award of the Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM).

9.  DD Form 214 include the Basic Aircrew Member Badge (administratively corrected).

APPLICANT’S CONTENTIONS

His SSAN is incorrect.  His DD Form 214 identifies the “AFGM”; however, he does not know what that medal is.  His flight time should be reviewed for award of any OLC to his AM.  He received letters acknowledging he was awarded the AFOUA and the Basic Aircrew Member Badge.  As an air crew member he flew all over South Vietnam and should be eligible for the AFEM.  He also landed/air dropped supplies at “Kesan”, and was struck by ground fire on 23 Feb 68 over Tan Son Nhut, Vietnam, and should be eligible for the “Republic of Vietnam Service Medal.”

The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS

The applicant is a former Regular Air Force sergeant (E-4), honorably discharged on 20 Jan 69.

The applicant’s DD Form 214 for the period 6 Jul 64 – 20 Jan 69, Item 24, Decorations, Medals, Badges, Commendations, Citations and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized, reflects award of National Defense Service Medal (NDSM), Vietnam Service Medal (VSM), AM, Air Force Good Conduct Medal (AFGCM), Air Force Longevity Service Award (AFLSA) and “AFGM.”

On 16 Nov 18, AFPC/DP2STM provided the applicant AF Form 215, Correction to DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, which reflects the correction to his SSAN and addition of the Basic Aircrew Member Badge to his DD Form 214.

On 9 Sep 19, the AFPC Recognition Team was able to verify the applicant’s entitlement to the DFC, AFOUA, and RVGC w/P.  However, they were unable to verify award of the AFCM, AFEM, or AM with one OLC, and notified the applicant to provide additional supporting documents with 30 days.  Upon final Board decision, AFPC/DP2STM will administratively correct the applicant’s personnel record to reflect award of the DFC, AFOUA, and RVGC w/P.  

For more information, see the excerpt of the applicant’s record at Exhibit B and the advisory at Exhibit C.

APPLICABLE AUTHORITY

AFI 36-2803, The Air Force Military Awards and Decorations Program: 

Table 3.13., Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM), is recommending by Squadron/Unit Commander, and awarded for:  

1. Meritorious achievement and service. The degree of merit must be distinctive, though it need not be unique. 

2. Acts of courage which do not involve the voluntary risk of life required for the Airman’s Medal. 

3. Sustained meritorious performance by crewmembers. 

AFEM:

Paragraph 6.13.4., Service members who earned the AFEM for service in Vietnam between 1 Jul 58 and 3 Jul 65 may elect to receive the Vietnam Service Medal instead of the AFEM.  However, no service member may be issued both medals for service in Vietnam.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION

AFPC/DP3SP recommends denying the applicant’s request for award of the AFCM, AFEM, and AM with one OLC.  On 9 Sep 19, the applicant was notified to provide additional documentation supporting his request; however, none was provided.  There is insufficient documentation to verify the applicant was awarded these decorations.  Furthermore, AFPC believes “AFGM” annotated on the DD Form 214 is a misprint.  AF Form 7, Airman Military Record, Item 10, Awards, reflects “AFCM”; however, the order referenced is Special Order G-2386, dated 5 Aug 68, which is the applicant’s order for award of the DFC.   

The complete advisory opinion is at Exhibit C.

APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION

The Board sent a copy of the advisory opinion to the applicant on 13 Jan 20 for comment (Exhibit D), but has received no response.

FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION

1.  The application was timely filed.

2.  The applicant exhausted all available non-judicial relief before applying to the Board.

3.   After reviewing all Exhibits, the Board concludes the applicant is not the victim of an error or injustice.  The Board concurs with the rationale and recommendation of AFPC/DP3SP and finds a preponderance of the evidence does not substantiate the applicant’s contentions.  Therefore, the Board recommends against correcting the applicant’s records, beyond that rendered administratively.

RECOMMENDATION

The Board recommends informing the applicant the evidence did not demonstrate material error or injustice, and the Board will reconsider the application only upon receipt of relevant evidence not already presented.

CERTIFICATION

The following quorum of the Board, as defined in Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2603, Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR), paragraph 1.5, considered Docket Number BC-2016-04180 in Executive Session on 6 May 20:

, Panel Chair
, Panel Member
, Panel Member

All members voted against correcting the record.  The panel considered the following:

Exhibit A:	Application, DD Form 149, w/atchs, dated 4 Oct 16.
Exhibit B:	Documentary evidence, including relevant excerpts from official records.
Exhibit C:	Advisory opinion, AFPC/DP3SP, dated 11 Nov 19.
Exhibit D:	Notification of advisory, SAF/MRBC to applicant, dated 13 Jan 20.

Taken together with all Exhibits, this document constitutes the true and complete Record of Proceedings regarding AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2016-04180, as required by AFI 36-2603, paragraph 4.11.9.