RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2011-04420 COUNSEL: NO HEARING DESIRED: NO _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: He be awarded the Bronze Star Medal (BSM). _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He was recommended for the BSM on 5 March 1973 by his commanding officer. In support of his appeal, the applicant provides a copy of the recommendation package for award of the BSM. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. _________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant is a former member of the Regular Air Force who served on active duty from 13 August 1957 to 31 July 1984. He served in the personnel career field and was progressively promoted to the grade of chief master sergeant (E-9). He was released from active duty on 31 July 1984 and retired effective 1 August 1984 in the grade of chief master sergeant. According to documents provided by the applicant, he was recommended for the BSM on 5 March 1973 for meritorious service during the period 6 September 1972 to 25 March 1973. _________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSIDRA recommends denial. DPSIDRA states the applicant had previously requested entitlement to the BSM through a Congressional Inquiry, dated in November 2007. On 26 December 2007, their office provided a response to the applicant indicating that after a thorough review of his military service records, they verified his recommendation for the BSM, dated 5 March 1973, was downgraded by higher headquarters to the Air Force Commendation Medal with second Oak Leaf Cluster (AFCM w/2OLC) for the inclusive period of 6 September 1972 to 5 March 1973; therefore, rendering him ineligible for award of the BSM. DPSIDRA indicates the applicant has not provided any new evidence that was not already submitted with his previous request for the BSM in November 2007. 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 29 December 2011 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit D). 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. 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 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. _________________________________________________________________ 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 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-2011-04420 in Executive Session on 30 May 2012, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: The following documentary evidence was considered in connection with AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2011-04420: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 1 Nov 11, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSIDRA, dated 15 Dec 11. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 29 Dec 11.