RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS


IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2013-04538
		COUNSEL:  NONE
		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

His record does not reflect the AFCM which was awarded to him at 
Holloman AFB in 1972 for his service with the 14th Tactical 
Reconnaissance Squadron in Thailand.

In support of the applicant’s appeal, he provides a copy of his 
DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of 
Transfer or Discharge.

The applicant's complete submission, with attachment, is at 
Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 7 December 1972, the applicant was honorably released from 
active duty in the grade of sergeant under the provisions of AFM 
39-10 and transferred to the Air Force Reserve.  He served 
3 years, 8 months and 19 days on active duty.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSID recommends denial of the AFCM.  DPSID states that 
after a thorough review of the applicant’s master personnel 
record they were unable to verify award of the AFCM.  The 
applicant provided a citation for award of the AFCM for the 
inclusive period of 20 July 1970 to 14 July 1971; however, they 
were unable to locate a special order authorizing award of the 
AFCM or a signed certificate to accompany the citation.




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 28 March 1958, distinguish themselves by outstanding 
achievement or meritorious service.

Based on their review of the applicant’s official military 
personnel record they were able to determine that the Air Force 
Outstanding Unit Award with Valor and one Bronze Oak Leaf 
Cluster (AFOUA w/V and 1 BOLC) and the Republic of Vietnam 
Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVNGC w/P) should have been awarded 
during the applicant’s service.  Upon final board decision – 
administrative correction of the applicant’s record will be 
completed by AFPC/DPSOR.

The complete DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 7 March 2014, a copy of the Air Force evaluation was 
forwarded to the applicant for review and response within 
30 days (Exhibit D).  As of this date, no response has been 
received by this office. 

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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 note the 
applicant’s contentions; however, we are not persuaded by the 
evidence submitted that we should award the applicant the AFCM 
on the basis of error or injustice.  It is the special order 
that authorizes entitlement to the AFCM and properly awards the 
medal. Absent a copy of the special order, the applicant has not 
provided sufficient documentary evidence to substantiate his 
claim that he was awarded the AFCM.  Therefore, other than the 
administrative corrections cited above, we find no basis to 
recommend granting the relief sought in this application.

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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified the evidence presented did not 
demonstrate the existence of an 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.

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The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket 
Number BC-2013-04538 in Executive Session on 13 May 2014, under 
the provisions of AFI 36-2603:


The following documentary evidence was considered:

  Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 17 September 2013, w/atch.
  Exhibit B.  DD Form 214, AFCM Citation, Performance Reports.
  Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPSID, dated 2 January 2014.
  Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 7 March 2014.





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