RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2010-01715 INDEX CODE: 107.00 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge be corrected to reflect award of the Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM). _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: His DD Form 214 does not reflect the AFCM he was awarded for outstanding achievement for the period 1 Jul 67 through 14 Jul 67. In support of his request, the applicant provides a copy of the citation for award of the AFCM. The applicant's complete submission, with attachment, is at Exhibit A. _________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: On 6 Jan 64, the applicant contracted his enlistment in the Regular Air Force. He was progressively promoted to the grade of sergeant, having assumed the grade effective and with a date of rank of 1 Oct 66. The AF Form 7, Airman Military Record, reflects the applicant served with the 526th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Ramstein AB, Germany. He was discharged on 4 Jan 68. He served 3 years, 11 months and 29 days of active service. The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are contained in the letter prepared by the appropriate office of the Air Force, which are attached at Exhibits C. _________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: HQ AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial. AFPC/DPSIDR states 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). DPSIDR notes that after a review of the applicant’s record, they were unable to locate any official documentation, including a special order or recommendation, indicating the applicant’s entitlement to the AFCM. The complete AFPC/DPSOO 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 10 Sep 10, for review and comment within 30 days. As of this date, no response has been received by this office (Exhibit D). _________________________________________________________________ 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 to warrant changing the applicant’s records to reflect award of the AFCM. Although a copy of the official order awarding the applicant the AFCM is unavailable, he has provided a copy of the citation with the impressed official seal which is an indicator that the medal was approved and processed for disposition. Notwithstanding the absence of an official order awarding the applicant the AFCM, we are persuaded by the evidence presented of his entitlement to the decoration. Accordingly, we recommend his records be corrected to the extent indicated below. _________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT: The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT be corrected to show that he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for outstanding achievement for the period 1 July 1967 through 14 July 1967. _________________________________________________________________ The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2010-01715 in Executive Session on 26 Oct 10, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: All members voted to correct the record as recommended. The following documentary evidence was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 27 Apr 10, w/atch. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, HQ AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 17 Aug 10. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 10 Sep 10.