RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-04567 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, be corrected to reflect award of the Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM). APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: His DD Form 214 should reflect the AFCM because he has a certificate of appreciation from the President of the United States and a 1975 newspaper article featuring the award of the AFCM to him. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 15 Mar 71. On 30 May 74, the applicant was furnished an honorable discharge, and was credited with 3 years, 2 months, and 16 days of active service, including 11 months, and 26 days of foreign service. The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are contained in the memorandum prepared by the Air Force office of primary responsibility (OPR), which is attached at Exhibit C. AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSID recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an 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 Air Force, after 24 Mar 58, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service. After a thorough review of the applicant’s official military personnel record, they were unable to verify the award of the AFCM. The certificate of appreciation provided by the applicant is not an award of the AFCM. Additionally, his official military records did not contain any official documentation such as a special order or a recommendation that would verify the citation for meritorious service while in Thailand that the newspaper article he provided illustrates. Notwithstanding the above, they were able to determine the applicant’s entitlement to the following Air Force Medals and/or Ribbons that were not reflected in his records: 1. Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor (AFOUA w/V). 2. Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star (VSM w/1BSS). 3. Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVNGC w/P). Upon final board decision, administrative correction of the applicant’s official military personnel record will be accomplished by AFPC/DPSOR. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit C. APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 25 Feb 15, 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.  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 AFPC/DPSID and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error of injustice regarding the award of the Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM). We note that AFPC/DPSID’s research revealed the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor (AFOUA w/V), Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star (VSM w/1BSS), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVNGC w/P), should have been awarded during the applicant’s service from 15 Mar 71 to 30 May 74, but were not reflected in his records. Upon final Board decision, they have directed AFPC/DPSOR to administratively correct the applicant’s military personnel record reflecting these awards and decorations. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting any relief beyond that rendered administratively. 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 members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-04567 in Executive Session on 14 Jul 15, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: The following documentary evidence pertaining AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-04567 was considered: Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 4 Nov 14, w/atchs. Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 28 Jan 15. Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 25 Feb 15.