RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2011-03909 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: He be entitled to the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM). ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He was assigned to the 416 Combat Support Group at Griffis AFB NY from 2 July 78 to 31 Aug 81 and received a MSM upon his retirement. In support of his request, the applicant provides a MSM citation and certificate for the period of 2 Jul thru 31 Aug 81. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments is at Exhibit A. ________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: On 24 Feb 61, the applicant enlisted in the Air Force. On 31 Aug 81, he was retired in the grade of master sergeant. ________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: HQ AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial. DPSIDR states that based upon a review of the applicant’s military records and the documentation provided they were unable to verify his entitlement to the MSM. Although there is evidence, there is no special order awarding the MSM. According to AFI 36-2803, Air Force Awards and Decorations Program, 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. ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 9 Dec 11 for review and comment within 30 days. As of this date, this office has received no response (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 an error or injustice warranting relief. We note the office of primary responsibility (OPR) states the applicant did not provide a special order to support award of the MSM. However, after reviewing the documentation submitted, we believe, the applicant has provided sufficient evidence to support award of the MSM. In this respect, we note the applicant submitted a copy of the MSM certificate and citation which coincides with his retirement from the Air Force. In view of the above, we recommend his records 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 he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, for outstanding service for the period of 2 Jul 78 to 31 Aug 81. ________________________________________________________________ The following members of the Board considered Docket Number BC- 2011-03909 in Executive Session on 18 Jan 12, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: The Board voted to correct the record as recommended. The following documentary evidence pertaining to Docket Number BC- 2011-03909 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 1 Oct 11, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Letter, AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 21 Nov 11. Exhibit C. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 9 Dec 11.