RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-02301 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His DD Form 214, Report of Separation from Active Duty, be amended to reflect he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster (AFCM w/1 BOLC). APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He was awarded the AFCM w/1 BOLC in May 79. Special Order GB- 0052 was lost or not processed and DPSIDR could not find the special order verifying the award. He does not recall ever receiving a copy of the special order awarding him this medal. It was only after someone asked him for a copy of his DD Form 214 that he decided to gather all the records about his service. The applicant provides no rationale as to why the Board should consider his untimely application in the interest of justice. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant entered the Regular Air Force on 13 Sep 70 and was released from active duty on 2 Jun 79. The AFCM is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States, below the grade of colonel and foreign military personnel, who, while serving in any capacity with the Department of the Air Force after 28 Mar 58, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service. AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSID recommends approval for award of the AFCM w/1 BOLC as the applicant provided a signed certificate and citation that appear to be authentic. Should the Board grant the relief sought, a special order will be accomplished and the AFCM w/1 BOLC will be updated on the applicant’s DD Form 214. Additionally, DPSID determined the applicant should have been awarded the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVNGC w/P) and the Vietnam Campaign Medal (VCM) for his service from 13 Sep 70 to 2 Jun 79. Upon the Board’s final decision, the applicant’s records will be administratively corrected to reflect these awards. The complete copy of the 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 9 Sep 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. We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case and agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has been the victim of an error or injustice. Therefore, in addition to the administrative corrections for award of the RVNGC w/P and the VCM, we recommend the applicant's records be corrected as indicated below. 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, Report of Separation from Active Duty, issued in conjunction with his separation on 2 June 1979, be amended in Item 26, Decorations, Medals, Badges, Commendations, Citations and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized, to include the Air Force Commendation Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster. The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-02301 in Executive Session on 17 Mar 15 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 28 May 14, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 8 Aug 14, w/atch. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 9 Sep 14.