RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2011-02448 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 the Bronze Star Medal (BSM). _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: His DD Form 214 should reflect true and accurate information of his military service. In support of his request, the applicant provides a copy of the BSM Certificate, a copy of AF Form 642, Recommendation for Decoration, and a copy of his DD Form 214. His complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. _________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 14 Jul 66 and was progressively promoted to sergeant (E-4) effective and with a date of rank of 1 Oct 68. He was discharged on 25 May 70 after serving 3 years, 10 months, and 12 days on active duty. The BSM Criteria: This decoration authorized by Executive Order No. 9419 on 4 Feb 44, is awarded to a person in any branch of the military service who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States on or after 7 Dec 41, shall have distinguished himself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy. The award recognizes acts of heroism performed in ground combat if they are of lesser degree than that required for the Silver Star. _________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSIDRA recommends denial. DPSIDRA states the applicant provides a copy of the BSM certificate with an inclusive period of 27 May 69 to 24 May 70, a copy of the BSM recommendation dated 31 Mar 70, and a copy of his DD Form 214 in support of his claim. However, the BSM special order was not located in the applicant’s official military records nor did he provide a copy. DPSIDRA requested the applicant provide a copy of the special order, but the applicant stated all he received was the signed BSM certificate, the BSM for wear on his uniform, and a copy of the BSM recommendation. Unfortunately, without a copy of the special order, they are unable to verify his entitlement to the BSM. The DPSIDRA complete evaluation is at Exhibit B. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: The applicant responded by providing a copy of the special order awarding him the BSM. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachment, is at 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 injustice warranting award of the BSM. The applicant has provided a copy of the special order awarding him the BSM. Therefore we recommend his record be corrected as 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 his DD Form 214 issued on 25 May 1970 reflect that he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service for the period 27 May 1969 through 24 May 1970. _________________________________________________________________ The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2011-02448 in Executive Session on 20 Sep 11, 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 24 Jun 11, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Letter, AFPC/DPSIDRA, dated 4 Aug 11. Exhibit C. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 19 Aug 11. Exhibit D. Letter, Applicant, dated 6 Sep 11, w/atch.