RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2011-01563 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO ________________________________________________________________ THE APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His awarded Bronze Star Medal (BSM) be added to his record. ________________________________________________________________ THE APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: The Bronze Star Medal was awarded to him after discharge; however, it was never entered into his record. In support of his appeal, the applicant provides a copy of the award elements (citation and certificate for BSM) and other supporting documents. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. ________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force, on 10 May 65, for a period of four years. He was progressively promoted to the grade of sergeant (Sgt/E-4). On 4 Nov 68, the applicant was honorably released from active duty. He was credited with 3 years, 5 months, and 25 days of active duty service, including 1 year of foreign service. ________________________________________________________________ THE AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial, stating, in part, that the official source document is the special order; however, no official document was provided or could be located in the applicant’s personnel record to verify entitlement to the BSM. Although there is strong evidence to support the applicant was awarded the BSM, they are unable to locate the official source document to substantiate the award. The complete AFPC/DPSIDR evaluation is at Exhibit C. ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF THE AIR FORCE EVALUATION: A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 27 May 11 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 error or injustice warranting corrective action. We note the comments of the Air Force office of primary responsibility; nonetheless, the applicant provides a copy of the award elements and based on our own independent review, we were able to confirm the applicant was, in fact, awarded the Bronze Star medal. We have attached a copy of the special order awarding the applicant the BSM. Therefore, in view of the above, we recommend the applicant’s record 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: a. His DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge, issued 4 November 1968, Item 24, Decorations, Medal, Badges, Commendations, Citations and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized be amended to reflect award of the Bronze Star Medal. b. That Special Order G-3671, issued on 27 November 1968, be accepted for file in his official record. ________________________________________________________________ The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2011-01563 in Executive Session on 15 November 2011, under 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, dated 21 Apr 11, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 19 May 1911. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 27 May 11.