RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2015-02076 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) be added to his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He was presented an MSM upon retirement and he believes it should be added to his DD Form 214. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: On 29 Oct 71, the applicant entered the Regular Air Force. On 31 Oct 95, the applicant retired and was credited with 24 years and 2 days of active service. The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are described in the memoranda prepared by the Air Force offices of primary responsibility (OPR), which are included at Exhibits C and D. AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSID recommends granting relief, indicating evidence of an error or injustice. Although it was not possible to verify the source documents (special order) for the award of the MSM in the applicant’s official military personnel record, the applicant provided a signed certificate and citation which has an official United States Air Force Seal that appears to be authentic. The MSM is governed by Executive Order 11448, 16 Jan 69, which authorizes the Secretary of a Military Department to award the MSM to any member of the United States Armed Forces, or to any member of the armed forces of a friendly foreign nation, who has distinguished himself or herself by outstanding meritorious achievement or service. The MSM may be awarded for outstanding achievement or service while serving in a designated combat zone. Additionally, the below Air Force Medal/Ribbon should have been awarded during the applicant’s service but was not properly recorded in his official military personnel record: - Air Force Longevity Service Award with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster (AFLSA w/1SOLC) Upon the Board’s final decision, the applicant’s official military personnel record will be administratively corrected. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit C. AFPC/JA recommends granting relief, indicating evidence of an error or injustice. After a review of the applicant’s submission and the OPR evaluation, AFPC/JA concurs with AFPC/DPSID’s evaluation to issue a special order for his MSM so it can be added to his DD Form 214. A complete copy of the AFPC/JA evaluation is at Exhibit D. APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 2 Dec 15 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit E). 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 (OPR) and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has been the victim of an error or injustice. 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 on 24 July 1995, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) for meritorious service during the period 3 January 1993 to 31 August 1995. The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2015-02076 in Executive Session on 1 Mar 16, 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 4 May 15, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 5 Nov 15. Exhibit D. Memorandum, AFPC/JA, dated 18 Nov 15. Exhibit E. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 2 Dec 15.