RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS


IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2014-02997
		
			COUNSEL:  NONE

			HEARING DESIRED:  NO


APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of 
Transfer or Discharge, be corrected to include the award of the 
Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM).


APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He received the awarded AFCM after he was issued his DD Form 
214.  

He would like his records corrected so that he can properly 
display his military awards and decorations for his children and 
complete his genealogical records.

In support of his request, the applicant provided a copy of his 
DD Form 214 and AFCM Certificate, dated 12 Jan 69, signed by the 
Commander, 7th Air Force.

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


STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 22 Jul 
65.  

On 29 Aug 68, the applicant was furnished an Honorable 
discharge, and was credited with three years, one month, and 
seven days of active service.

The applicant’s DD Form 214 reflects the award of the following 
Air Force Medals and/or Ribbons:

	- National Defense Service Medal
	- Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star
	- Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
	- Air Force Good Conduct Medal

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are 
described in the memoranda prepared by the Air Force office of 
primary responsibility (OPR), which is included at Exhibit C.


AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSID recommends denial, indicating there is no evidence of 
an error or injustice.  

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 
least 1 day served in each campaign phase.

After a thorough review of the applicant’s military personnel 
record, they were unable to verify the award of the AFCM.  They 
were also unable to locate a Special Order; the Special Order is 
the official source document used to verify award of a 
decoration.  Although the applicant provided a signed AFCM 
Certificate, signed by the Commander, 7th Air Force, they were 
unable to verify its authenticity.
 
A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit C.


APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

In response to the Air Force Advisory, the applicant provided a 
copy of the AFCM Special Order, Citation, and Certificate with 
raised emblems and original signatures.  


THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

1.  The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by 
existing law or regulations.

2.  The application was not timely filed.  While the applicant 
claims a date of discovery of less than three years ago, in our 
view, the reasonable date of discovery of the alleged error or 
injustice was more than three years ago and the application is 
therefore untimely; however, it is in the interest of justice to 
waive the failure to timely file. 

3.  Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to 
demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice.  After a 
thorough review of the evidence of record and the applicant’s 
complete submission, to include his rebuttal comments, we 
believe the applicant is the victim of an error.  While we note 
the comments of AFPC/DPSID indicating that relief should be 
denied, we note the applicant provided a copy of an Air Force 
Commendation Medal Special Order, Citation and Certificate in 
response to their recommendation, which substantiates the fact 
he was awarded this Medal.  Therefore, 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, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer 
or Discharge, issued on 29 August 1968 be amended to include the 
award of the Air Force Commendation Medal. 


The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket 
Number BC-2014-02997 in Executive Session on 2 Jun 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 pertaining to AFBCMR Docket 
Number BC-2014-02997 was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 21 Jul 14, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 23 Oct 14.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 30 Jan 15.
	Exhibit E.  Letter, Applicant, dated 4 Feb 15.