RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF				DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2017-03537

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX				COUNSEL: NONE

							HEARING: YES

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His Bronze Star Medal with Valor (BSM/V) be upgraded to a Silver Star (SS).

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

The citation for his BSM/V is inaccurate; the events time-line and details do not correspond with what actually happened.  Furthermore, he was told he was being put in for a SS medal.  However, after he received an Article 15, his SS package was pulled.  He received a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in combat from a rocket propelled grenade, but was not treated for a TBI until after he received the Article 15.  He was punished for his actions, but his actions should not preclude his sacrifices and commitment during combat.  The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant is a former Air Force airman first class.  

On 14 Jan 14, the applicant received an Article 15 for the wrongful possession and use of two controlled substances, and was reduced to the grade of airman first class.

For more information, see the excerpt of the applicant’s record at Exhibit B and the advisory at Exhibit C.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DP2SP recommends denying the application.  

There is no official documentation in the applicant’s military personnel record, nor was any provided, to indicate the applicant was originally recommended for, or awarded, the SS.  For consideration of the SS, he must submit a decoration package, to include a signed recommendation from someone with firsthand knowledge of the act/achievement, preferably from within his chain of command at the time of the act/achievement, a proposed citation, and a narrative citation signed by the recommending official.

The complete advisory is at Exhibit C.

APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The Board sent a copy of the Air Force evaluation to the applicant on 13 Mar 18 for comment (Exhibit D), but has received no response. 

ADDITIONAL AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

SAF/MRBP recommends denying the application.  

There is no proof the applicant was submitted for a SS.  If the applicant’s chain of command did in fact decide to pursue a BSM/V instead of the SS due to his misconduct they were supported by their decision to do so in accordance with Title 10 U.S.C. Section 6249 “No medal, cross, or bar, or associated emblem or insignia may be awarded or presented to any USAF member or their representative, if the member’s entire service subsequent to the time of the distinguished act, achievement, or service has not been honorable.”  Furthermore, his request for award should be submitted in accordance with AFI 36-2803, The Air Force Military Awards and Decorations Program.  The complete advisory is at Exhibit E.

APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF ADDITIONAL AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The Board sent a copy of the additional Air Force evaluation to the applicant on 2 Jul 18 for comment (Exhibit F), but has received no response. 

THE BOARD CONCLUDES:

1.  The application was timely filed.

2.  The applicant exhausted all available avenues of non-judicial relief before applying to the Board.

3.  After thoroughly reviewing all Exhibits, it is the Board’s opinion that the applicant is not the victim of an error or injustice.  The Board concurs with the rationale and recommendation of SAF/MRBP and finds that a preponderance of the evidence does not substantiate the applicant’s contentions.  Therefore, the Board recommends against correcting the applicant’s records.

4.  The applicant’s case is adequately documented and it has not been shown that a personal appearance with or without counsel will materially add to the Board’s understanding of the issues involved.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS:  

The applicant be informed that the evidence did not demonstrate material error or injustice, and the application will only be reconsidered upon receipt of relevant evidence not already considered by the Board.

The application was adjudicated without a personal appearance.

CERTIFICATION:  

The following quorum of the Board, as defined in Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2603, Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR), paragraph 1.5., considered Docket Number BC-2017-03537 in Executive Session on 7 Aug 18:

	, Panel Chair
	, Panel Member
	, Panel Member

All members voted not to correct the record.  The panel considered the following:

Exhibit A:  Application, DD Form 149, w/atchs, dated 24 Jul 17.
Exhibit B:  Documentary evidence, including relevant excerpts from official records.
Exhibit C:  Advisory opinion, AFPC/DP2SP, dated 22 Feb 18.
Exhibit D:  Notification of Advisory, SAF/MRBC to applicant, dated 13 Mar 18.
Exhibit E:  Additional Advisory opinion, SAF/MRBP, dated 1 Jun 18.
Exhibit F:  Notification of Advisory, SAF/MRBC to applicant, dated 2 Jul 18.

Taken together with all Exhibits, this document constitutes the true and complete Record of Proceedings required by AFI 36-2603, paragraph 4.11.9 regarding AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2017-03537.