AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2011-04696 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His records be corrected to reflect award of the United States Air Force (USAF) Senior Aircrew Wings and the following awards and decorations: a. The Air Medal (AM) with six Oak Leaf Clusters (AM w/6OLC) (administratively resolved). b. The Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two Bronze Service Stars (AFOUA w/2BSS) (administratively resolved). c. The Presidential Unit Citation (administratively resolved). d. The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVGC w/P) (administratively resolved). e. The Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) with additional BSSs (administratively resolvd). f. The Navy Presidential Unit Citation (administratively resolved). g. The Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor (DFC w/V). _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: The medals were not reflected on his separation documents. In support of his request, the applicant provides copies of documents extracted from his military personnel records, unit summaries, as well the criteria for award of the VSM. The applicant's complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. _________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant served on active duty from 20 Sep 65 to 7 Sep 72, as an aircraft loadmaster. On 10 Jan 12, AFPC/DPSIDR notified the applicant of their determination of his entitlement to the PUC w/1OLC, RVGC w/P, AM w/6OLC, AFOUA w/V and 3OLC, and VSM w/4BSS and corrected his records administratively. The applicant was further informed that his DFC was awarded for extraordinary achievement therefore making him ineligible for the wear of the V device. The V device for the DFC is only authorized when the medal was awarded of heroism. The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are contained in the letter prepared by the appropriate office of the Air Force, which is attached at Exhibit C. _________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AF/A3O-A1 recommends denial noting the applicant does not meet the criteria for the Senior Aircrew Badge. To qualify for the Senior Aircrew Member Badge (Wing), the service member must be on flying status as a crew member, medically qualified, possess at least a five-level skill, and have performed seven years as a crew member. While the applicant was on flying status as an aircrew member and held a 5-skill level, he had not attained the requisite seven years of aircrew service in order to qualify for the badge. On 15 Mar 66, the applicant was selected as a crew member. He separated on 31 Jan 69. On 15 Aug 69, he returned to flying status as a member of the Air Force Reserve and separated on 7 Sep 72 prior to attaining seven years of airecrew service. The complete AF/AO3-A1 evaluation is at Exhibit C. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EALUATION: A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 24 Feb 12, 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 an injustice regarding his request for the senior aircrew badge. 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 Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice. As for his request related to the “V” device for his DFC, we are not convinced the applicant is the victim of an error or injustice. In this respect, we note that AFPC/DPSIDR has determined that his DFC was issued for outstanding achievement, not heroism, therefore rendering him ineligible for wear of the “V” device. Therefore, in view of the fact the applicant has presented no evidence to support his uncorroborated assertions in this regard, we agree with said determination. We note the Air Force OPR has determined the applicant’s entitlement to the PUC w/1OLC, RVGC w/P, AM w/6OLC, AFOUA w/V and 3OLC, and VSM w/4BSS and corrected his records administratively. Therefore, in view of the above and in the absence of evidence to the contary, 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-2011-04696 in Executive Session on 26 Jun 12, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: , Panel Chair , Member , Member The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2011-04696 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 21 Nov 11, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Military Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, AF/A3O-A1, dated 14 Feb 12. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 24 Feb 12. Panel Chair