RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2014-00369
		COUNSEL: NONE
		HEARING DESIRED:  YES


APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active 
Duty be corrected to reflect the Meritorious Service Medal 
(MSM).


APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was awarded the MSM upon retirement; however, it was omitted 
from his DD Form 214.

The Board should consider his untimely application in the 
interest of justice because his award was misplaced during one 
of several moves following his retirement.  

In support of his requests, the applicant provides copies of his 
DD Form 214; AF Form 2228, Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) 
Certificate and citation.

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


STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 25 Jul 63, the applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force.  
He served 21 years, 9 months, and 6 days of total active 
service.

The MSM was established by Executive Order 11448 on 16 Jan 69.  
This award 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.  The level of achievement or service is less than that 
required for the Legion of Merit (LOM).


AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSID recommends approval.  Although there is no special 
order awarding the MSM, the applicant provides a copy of a 
signed certificate which appears to be authentic with a given 
under my hand date of 1 May 85, which is consistent with his 
release date of 30 Apr 85.  He also provides a citation with the 
official seal for the period 8 Aug 83 to 30 Apr 85, which 
appears to be authentic.  Should the Board approve his request; 
the MSM will be added to his DD Form 214.

The Korean Defense Service Medal (KDSM) should have been awarded 
during the applicant’s service from 25 Jul 63 to 30 Apr 85, and 
was not reflected in his records.  Upon final determination by 
the Board, DPSOR will administratively correct the applicant’s 
records.

The complete DPSID evaluation, with attachment, is at Exhibit C.


APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the 
applicant on 8 May 14, for review and comment within 30 days 
(Exhibit D).  As of this date, no response has been received by 
this office.


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.  Having 
carefully reviewed this application, we agree with the 
recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility 
and adopt the rationale expressed as the basis for our decision 
that the applicant has been the victim of either an error or an 
injustice.  Therefore, we recommend the applicant’s records be 
amended to include the MSM.  Accordingly, we recommend the 
applicant’s records be corrected as indicated below.

4.  The applicant’s case is adequately documented and it has not 
been shown that a personal appearance with or without counsel 
will materially add to our understanding of the issues involved.  
Therefore, the request for a hearing is not favorably 
considered.


THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air 
Force relating to the APPLICANT be corrected to show that his DD 
Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, 
issued in conjunction with his 30 April 1985, release from 
active duty, be amended to include the Meritorious Service 
Medal.


The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket 
Number BC-2014-00369 in Executive Session on 12 Nov 14, under 
the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	Panel Chair
	Member
	Member

All members voted to correct the records as recommended.  The 
following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 21 Jan 14, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPSID, dated 11 Apr 14, w/atch.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 8 May 14.

						






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