RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-02188 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: The Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM) he received for heroism in 1985 be upgraded to the Airman’s Medal. APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: While stationed at Anderson Air Force Base, Guam, he saved an Army service member who had been carried away from the shoreline and severely injured on the coral reef. He received cuts and bruises while making his way to the survivor’s location where he was able to carry him to safety with the help of a fellow service member. Prior to his retirement, he contacted the survivor who revealed he had initiated and followed a request for the equivalent of the Army’s Soldier Medal through the Utah Adjutant General to the Mississippi Adjutant General, but was unaware it had been downgraded to the AFCM. In support of his request, he provides copies of the AFCM, the AFCM Special Order G-3, the AFCM citation and a personal letter from the survivor to the Mississippi National Guard Adjutant General. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: On 22 Jun 85, according to the citation to accompany the award of the AFCM, the applicant distinguished himself by heroism on the island of Guam. On 20 Nov 85, by Special Order G-3, he received the AFCM during the period 12 to 30 Jun 85. On 8 May 09, the applicant entered the Air National Guard. On 31 Aug 14, the applicant was relieved from his present reserve assignment and retired, effective 1 Sep 14. He was credited with 20 years, 1 month and 17 days of service for active service and retirement. AIR FORCE EVALUATION: NGB/A1P recommends relief not be granted due to lack of sufficient information to determine eligibility for the Airman’s Medal. The Airman’s Medal is awarded for heroism involving voluntary risk of life under conditions other than those of conflict with an armed enemy of the United States. The saving of a life or the success of the heroic act is not essential. The AFCM is awarded for outstanding achievement or meritorious service, or acts of courage that do not meet the requirements for award of the Airman’s Medal. The complete A1P evaluation is at Exhibit C. AFPC/DPSID recommends disapproval of upgrading the AFCM to the Airman’s Medal. DPSID agrees with NGB/A1P based on lack of sufficient information for consideration as the applicant has not demonstrated an error or injustice exists. It has been more than 30 years and the applicant has not provided any documentation to support he felt there was an error or injustice in awarding of the AFCM for heroism for his action prior to this application and appears to have only raised the question now upon his pending retirement as he states “if an award for heroism exists for an enlisted member, the Secretary of the Air Force can approve an additional 10% to retired pay.” The complete DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit D. SAF/MRBP reviewed the applicant’s records and the supporting documents and concurs with the DPSID recommendation to disapprove upgrading the AFCM to the Airman’s Medal. The assumption of regularity convinces DPSID that consideration for the Airman’s Medal was given at the time of submission, and it was determined that the AFCM was the appropriate level of recognition for the applicant’s actions. He has not provided any new information to support an upgrade nor shown an injustice that has occurred. The complete MRBP evaluation is at Exhibit E. APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 4 May 15 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit F). 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 timely filed. 3. Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an 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 offices of primary responsibility and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error of injustice. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting the requested relief. THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT: The applicant be notified the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of material error or injustice; 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 documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-02188 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 14 May 14, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Memorandum, NGB/A1P, dated 7 Nov 14. Exhibit D. Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 9 Feb 15. Exhibit E. Memorandum, SAF/MRBP, dated undated. Exhibit F. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 4 May 15.