RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2011-02055 COUNSEL: HEARING DESIRED: NO _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His general (under honorable conditions) discharge be upgraded to honorable. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: His discharge was unjust because it was based on racial discrimination and racial prejudice by the leadership of his unit. He was a young man who wanted to make a career in the Air Force. In support of his request, the applicant submits character reference letters, a copy of his DD Form 214, Report of Separation from the Armed Forces of the United States, and a copy of his discharge certificate. The applicant's complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. _________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: The discharge package was not located in the military personnel record. Available records indicate the following: The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 7 September 1949. He was discharged under the provisions of AFR 39-10. He received a general discharge. He served 3 years, 3 months and 29 days on active duty. He had four days lost time under Section VI, Article 140 UCMJ. On 1 April 1952, the applicant was involved in an incident that resulted in the misuse and abuse of two government vehicles, namely a tug and fork lift. For this misconduct, he received a Letter of Admonishment (LOA). On 18 June 1951, the applicant did without proper authority, absent himself from his organization. On or about 8 August 1952, the applicant did without proper authority, absent himself from his organization. For this misconduct, he was reduced in grade from airman second class to airman third class. On or about 5 October 1952, the applicant was drunk and disorderly in quarters. For this misconduct, he was reduced in grade from airman third class to airman basic. _________________________________________________________________ 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. After thoroughly reviewing the evidence of record, we see no evidence to show the applicant’s discharge was erroneous or unjust. However, while the discharge may have been appropriate at the time, we believe an upgrade is warranted in this case. We note the applicant’s FBI report contains no entries prior or subsequent to his enlistment in the Air Force. In view of the applicant’s apparent successful transition to civilian life, as evidenced by his post-service accomplishments, the Board is of the opinion that upgrading the applicant’s discharge to honorable, based on clemency would be appropriate. _________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT: The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that on 9 January 1953, he was honorably discharged and furnished an Honorable Discharge certificate. _________________________________________________________________ The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2011-02055 in Executive Session on 23 February 2012, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: All members voted to correct the records, as recommended. The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2011-02055 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 25 May 2011, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant’s Master Personnel Records.