RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2013-00575
		COUNSEL:  NONE
		HEARING DESIRED: NO

	 

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Bronze Star Medal (BSM).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

While he was assigned to the 307th Field Maintenance Squadron, U-
Tapao Airbase, Thailand, and during Operation LINE BACKER II, 
the base suffered a loss of several aircrafts and crewmembers.  
The base equipment was used to assist in saving several 
crewmembers lives.  The Wing Commander instructed that all 
personnel should be put in for the award of the BSM.  However, 
he never received the award.

In support of his request, the applicant provides a personal 
statement.

His complete submission, with attachment, is at Exhibit A. 

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant retired from the Regular Air Force in the grade of 
chief master sergeant (E-9) after serving 30 years and 4 days on 
active duty.

The BSM is awarded to a person in any branch of the military 
service who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces 
of the United States on or after 7 Dec 41, shall have 
distinguished himself by heroic or meritorious achievement or 
service, not involving participation in aerial flight, in 
connection with military operations against an armed enemy.  The 
award recognizes acts of heroism performed in ground combat if 
they are of lesser degree than that required for the Silver 
Star. 


The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are 
contained in the letter prepared by the appropriate office of 
the Air Force, which is at Exhibit C.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSID recommends denial.  There is no official 
documentation in the applicant’s record to verify recommendation 
for or award of the BSM.  The applicant does not provide any 
evidence to support an error or injustice occurred.  There is no 
recommendation from an individual, who possess first-hand 
knowledge of the act or achievement, eyewitness statements, 
proposed citation, or even a detailed account to include the 
date of the act or achievement.  Therefore, to grant this 
application would be contrary to the eligibility criteria 
established by the governing instructions.

The complete DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the 
applicant on 9 May 13 for review and comment within 30 days.  As 
of this date, this office has received no response.

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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 an error or injustice.  After a 
thorough review of the available evidence and applicant’s 
complete submission, we find no evidence that his records should 
be corrected to show he was awarded the BSM.  As such, 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.  The applicant’s honorable service is noted.  
Regrettably, we do not find the evidence submitted is sufficient 
to recommend granting the requested relief.

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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 AFBCMR Docket 
Number BC-2013-00575 in Executive Session on 17 Oct 13, under 
the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	, Panel Chair
	, Member
	, Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 1 Mar 13, w/atch.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPSID, dated 22 Apr 13.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 9 May 13.
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