ADDENDUM TO RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2006-01231 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: He be reissued the Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM). RESUME OF CASE: By DD Form 149, Application for Correction of Military Record, dated 14 Mar 06, the applicant requested his records be corrected to reflect an Air Force award in recognition for his assistance to a civilian pilot in distress in 1957. On 14 Sep 06, the Board considered and denied the applicant's request, concluding the evidence presented by the applicant was not sufficient to conclude he was eligible for or recommended for an award. It was further noted that military decorations require written recommendation from a recommending official with the individual's chain of command or someone with firsthand knowledge; or submit a recommendation for an award under the Fiscal Year 1996 NDAA. For an accounting of the facts and circumstances surrounding his request, and the rationale for the earlier decision by the Board, see the Record of Proceedings, with attachments, at Exhibit G. The AFCM is awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Air Force after 24 Mar 58, shall have distinguished themselves by meritorious achievement or service. The degree of merit must be distinctive, but is not required to involve the voluntary risk of life required for the Soldier's Medal (or the Airman's Medal now authorized for the Air Force). The official documentation required to verify the award of a decoration is a special order. The applicant's AF Form 7, Airman Military Record, reflects he was presented the AFCM. On 12 Mar 98, AFPC/DPPPR in response to the applicant's request for additional entitlements to various awards, to include the AFCM, was informed that copies of the AFCM order and citation could not be located. He was further advised that if he had copies of these documents to forward a copy to the National Personnel Records Center (Exhibit F). By virtue of a DD Form 149, dated 9 Sep 14, the applicant requested he be reissued the AFCM. The ARPC Form 0-225, Awards and Decorations, he received at the time of his retirement indicated he received the AFCM. He went to Norton AFB and presented the ARPC Form 0-225 and was issued the AFCM. In 1995 he requested the AFCM be sent to him and was informed the AFCM was not found in his records (Exhibit H). THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT: In an earlier finding, the Board determined the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of material error or injustice and there was insufficient evidence to warrant any corrective action. After thoroughly reviewing the additional documentation submitted in support of his appeal and the evidence of record, we are persuaded relief is warranted. While we note the Air Force office of primary responsibility (OPR) in the previous application indicates the Special Order and Citation for the Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM) could not be located, we believe a preponderance of the evidence substantiates he was awarded the AFCM upon retirement and corrective action is warranted. In this respect, we note the applicant has submitted documentation in the forms of an Air Force service record and an Air Reserve Personnel Center (ARPC) Form 0-225, Awards and Decorations, which both indicate he was awarded the AFCM. We also recognize the recommendation was submitted in close proximity to his retirement. In view of this, we find the evidence supports the decoration recommendation was approved but was never recorded on his DD Form 214 due to loss or inadvertence. 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, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge, effective 7 July 1961, be amended in Block 26. Decorations, Medal, Badges, Commendations, Citations and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized, to include the Air Force Commendation Medal. The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2006-01231 in Executive Session on 14 Jul 15, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: All members voted to correct the records as recommended. The following documentary evidence pertaining AFBCMR Docket Number BC- 2006-01231 was considered: Exhibit F. Record of Proceedings, dated 29 Sep 06, w/Exhibits. Exhibit G. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit H. DD Form 149, dated 9 Sep 14, w/atchs.