RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2011-03427 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge, be updated to reflect the following awards: a. The Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM) – administratively corrected. b. The Presidential Unit Citation (PUC). c. The Meritorious Unit Award (MUA). d. The Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor (AFOUA w/V) – administratively corrected to read AFOUA w/V and one Oak Leaf Cluster (AFOUA w/V & 1 OLC). e. The Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) with three Bronze Service Stars (VSM w/3 BSS) – administratively corrected. f. The Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with one Bronze Service Star (SAEMR w/1 BSS). g. The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVNGC w/P) – administratively corrected. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: His records should be updated to reflect the aforementioned awards for his service. Specifically, he submits a copy of the citation for award of the AFCM. He served with the 37th Security Police Squadron while in Vietnam and should receive the VSM w/3 BSS and RVNGC w/P; he is entitled to the PUC for his service at either Webb AFB, Texas, or with the 449th Security Police Squadron, Kincheloe AFB, Michigan; he qualified as “Expert” with the 38-Calibre Combat Masterpiece pistol while stationed at Webb AFB; and he served with the 37th Security Police Squadron, Phu Cat AB, Republic of South Vietnam and should be entitled to the MUA. In support of his request, the applicant provides a personal statement, a copy of his DD Form 214, a copy of his AF Form 899, Permanent Change of Station Order – Military, and a copy of a citation with seal to accompany the award of the AFCM. His complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. _________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant enlisted into the Regular Air Force on 30 Aug 65 and was progressively promoted to the grade of sergeant (E-4). He was honorably discharged on 24 Jan 69 after serving 3 years, 4 months, and 25 days on active duty. On 21 Nov 11, AFPC/DPSIDRA sent the applicant a letter notifying him that they were able to verify his entitlement to the AFCM, the AFOUA w/V and 1 OLC, the VSM w/3 BSS, and the RVNGC w/P. However, with regard to the MUA, the award was established and valid for service members who served on active duty on or after 11 Sep 01; therefore, he does not qualify for the award since he was discharged from active duty on 24 Jan 69. The PUC and SAEMR w/1 BSS could not be verified. SAEMR criterion: The SAEMR was authorized by the Secretary of the Air Force on 28 Aug 62. It is awarded to all U.S. Air Force service members who, after 1 Jan 63, qualify as expert in small- arms marksmanship with either the M-16 or issue handgun. The PUC criteria: Executive Order 9075 on 26 Feb 42, created this award and was superseded by Executive Order 9396 on 2 Dec 43, which authorized the Distinguished Unit Citation, and this executive order was superseded by Executive Order 10694, on 10 Jan 57 which redesignated the Distinguished Unit Citation as the Presidential Unit Citation. It is conferred on units of the armed forces of the United States and of cobelligerent nations, for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy on or after 7 Dec 41. The unit must display such gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing its mission as to set it apart from and above other units participating in the same campaign. The degree of heroism required is the same as that which would warrant award of the Distinguished Service Cross to an individual. _________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSIDRA recommends denial of the PUC, MUA, and SAEMR. After a thorough review of the governing pamphlet, to date, no stateside unit has been awarded the PUC. Additionally, the applicant was notified of his ineligibility for award of the MUA. With regard to the applicant’s request for the SAEMR, they were unable to locate AF Form 522, USAF Ground Weapons Training Data, or a letter from the Small Arms Marksmanship Monitor stating the applicant qualified as expert with either the M-16 rifle or issue handgun, or a special order authorizing his entitlement to the SAEMR. The complete DPSIDRA evaluation is at Exhibit B. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 22 Dec 11 for review and comment within 30 days. As of this date, this office has received no response. _________________________________________________________________ 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 error or injustice with regard to the applicant’s request for the PUC, MUA, and SAEMR w/1 BSS. In this respect, we took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion that relief beyond that already granted administratively is not warranted. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to favorably consider this application. _________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT: The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of material error or injustice; that the application was denied without a personal appearance; and that 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-2011-03427 in Executive Session on 6 March 2012, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: The following documentary evidence was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 22 Aug 11, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSIDRA, dated 21 Nov 11. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 22 Dec 11.