RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2011-02893 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge, dated 31 Oct 70, be corrected to reflect: 1. The SDN number in Block 11c be changed to more accurately reflect the service he performed. 2. He was awarded the Korean War Service Medal (KWSM), administratively resolved. 3. He was awarded a decoration in recognition of his long and outstanding service to the Air Force; by amendment the applicant requests award of the Air Force Achievement Medal (AFAM). _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: The SDN number on his DD Form 214 does not reflect the service he performed while on active duty. Although, the SDN is no longer used for hiring, he would like it changed because it is the only blemish on his records. The KWSM was awarded after his retirement and it should be added to his records. He further believes his records support he is entitled to a medal for his long outstanding service. He believes his service records serve as proof that he has more than earned a medal for his outstanding service. In support of his request, the applicant provides an expanded statement and copies of documents extracted from his military personnel records. The applicant's complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. _________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant’s records reflect that he contracted his initial enlistment in the Regular Air Force on 30 Dec 49. The applicant retired on 1 Nov 70 and was credited with 20 years, 10 months, and 1 day of active service, which included one year, two months, and nine days of foreign service. On 29 Aug 11, AFPC/DPAPP informed the applicant the portion of his request for foreign service credit for Korea has been verified and confirmed. He had boots on ground for 10 months and 11 days in Korea from 30 Dec 52 to 9 Nov 53. He was further advised that his foreign service is accurately reflected on his DD Form 214. On 13 Sep 11, AFPC/DPSIDRA informed the applicant of his entitlement to KWSM. However, the KWSM is not authorized for update on the DD Form 214 as it is an award of a foreign government. On 4 Jan 12, AFPC/DPSIDRA informed the applicant that on his initial application it appeared he was requesting award of the AFCM and addressed his request as such. However, based on his 29 Dec 11 letter, he clarified that he is requesting award of the AFAM. On 12 Oct 80, the Secretary of the Air Force authorized the AFAM and it is awarded to service members of the Armed Forces of the United States (U.S.) and foreign military personnel, below the rank of Colonel, after 30 Sep 81, who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Air Force distinguishes themselves by meritorious service or achievement. The applicant retired on 31 Oct 70, several years prior to the authorization of the AFAM and therefore, he is ineligible for the medal. _________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: HQ AFPC/DPSIDRA recommends denial of the applicant’s request for award of the AFCM, noting there is not a signed recommendation from the applicant’s chain of command who had firsthand knowledge of his acts or achievements, a proposed citation, and an endorsement from his chain of command has not been provided. Per Special Order G-67, dated 14 Jul 65, the applicant received the AFCM. The AFCM is awarded to members of the armed forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Air Force after 24 Mar 58, distinguished themselves by meritorious achievement or service. In accordance with the AFI 36-2803, The Air Force Awards and Decorations Program, no individual is automatically entitled to an award upon completion of an operation temporary duty (TDY) or departure for an assignment. The AFAM is awarded to members of the armed forces of the United States and foreign military personnel, below the rank of colonel, after 30 Sep 81, who while serving in any capacity with the United States Air Force, distinguishes themselves by meritorious service or achievement. The applicant may pursue award of the AFCM under the provisions of the 1996 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The original or reconstructed written award recommendation is required. The recommendation must be made by someone, other than the service member himself, preferably the commander or supervisor at the time of act or achievement, with firsthand knowledge of the service member’s accomplishments. If someone has firsthand knowledge of the service member’s accomplishments and achievements, they may act as the recommending official. The recommendation must include the name of the decoration, reason for recognition, inclusive dates of the act, and a narrative description of the act. The recommending official must sign the recommendation. In addition, a proposed citation is required and any chain of command endorsements are encouraged. Any statements from fellow service members, eyewitness statements attesting to the act, sworn affidavits, and other documentation substantiating the recommendation should be included with the package. The complete HQ AFPC/DPSIDRA evaluation is at Exhibit C. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: He is not requesting the AFCM. He already received one. He wants the Air Force Achievement Medal (AFAM) for his long outstanding service. In support of award for the AFAM, he has provided over 10 years of outstanding performance with the commanders endorsement. The applicant’s response, with attachment, is at Exhibit F. _________________________________________________________________ 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. Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or an injustice that would warrant action by this Board. In that regard, we note the applicant is not eligible for award of the Air Force Achievement Medal (AFAM) as it was created subsequent to the period of service served by the applicant. There are no provisions to retroactively award this medal. Additionally, the applicant has not provided sufficient evidence to show that the fact he was not presented an award at the time of his retirement constitutes an error or injustice. As for his request to change the SDN reflected on his DD Form 214, we note he was advised by AFPC/DPSOS in a memorandum, dated 29 November 2011, that the SDN number reflected on his DD Form 214 indicates that he retired after 20 years of service, but with less than 30 years of service. Since it appears the SDN number is correct as presently constructed and the applicant has not provided sufficient evidence to show otherwise, we find no basis to recommend changing it. Finally, we further note that the applicant’s record will be administratively corrected to reflect his award of the KWSM. Therefore, based on the above and in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting any relief beyond that rendered administratively. _________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT: The applicant be notified the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of material error or injustice; the application was denied without a personal appearance; and the application will only be reconsidered upon the submission of newly discovered relevant evidence not considered with this application. _________________________________________________________________ The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2011-02893 in Executive Session on 13 Mar 12, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: , Panel Chair , Member , Member The following documentary evidence was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 8 Aug 11, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Military Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, HQ AFPC/DPSIDRA, dated 13 Sep 11. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 9 Dec 11. Exhibit E. Letter, Applicant, dated 29 Dec 11. Panel Chair