ECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 

AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS 

 

 

IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2011-03800 

 COUNSEL: NONE 

 HEARING DESIRED: NOT INDICATED 

 

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: 

 

He be entitled to the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM). 

 

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: 

 

He should have been awarded the MSM upon his return from his 
deployment in Oman in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH in 
1998. 

 

In support of his request, the applicant provides a Defense.gov 
News photo taken of him displayed while assigned in Southwest 
Asia. 

 

The applicant's complete submission, with attachments, is at 
Exhibit A. 

 

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STATEMENT OF FACTS: 

 

The applicant served on active duty in the Regular Air Force 
from 13 Oct 92 to 28 Aug 00. 

 

The MSM may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the 
United States who distinguished themselves by either outstanding 
achievement or meritorious service to the United States. 

 

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION: 

 

HQ AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial. DPSIDR states that based upon 
review of the applicant’s military records and the documentation 
provided they were unable verify his entitlement to the MSM. No 
official documentation was provided nor located that verifies 
the applicant had been recommended for, or awarded the MSM. 

 

According to AFI 36-2803, Chapter 2, 2.2.6, no individual is 
automatically entitled to an award upon completion of an 
operational temporary duty (TDY) or departure for an assignment. 

 


All Air Force decorations require a signed written 
recommendation be submitted into official channels and processed 
through the approval authority. The recommendation must be 
submitted within two years, and the decoration presented within 
three years of the act, accomplishment or service performed. 

 

The complete DPSIDR evaluation is at Exhibit C. 

 

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: 

 

On 9 Dec 2011, a copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded 
to the applicant for review and comment within 30 days. To 
date, a response has not been received. 

 

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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. 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 the applicant has not 
been the victim of an error or injustice. Therefore, in the 
absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to 
recommend granting the relief sought in this application. 

 

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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. 

 

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The following members of the Board considered Docket Number 
BC-2011-03800 in Executive Session on 18 Jan 12, under the 
provisions of AFI 36-2603: 


 

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The following documentary evidence was considered: 

 

 Exhibit A. DD Forms 149, dated 1 Sep 11, w/atchs. 

 Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. 

 Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 22 Nov 11. 

 Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 9 Dec 11.