RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS


IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2013-05163

 			COUNSEL:  NONE

			HEARING DESIRED:  NO 


APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of 
Transfer or Discharge, be corrected to reflect he was awarded the 
Combat Air Medal.


APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was awarded the Combat Air Medal in February 1970.

In support of his appeal, the applicant provides a letter from a 
former service member and Special Order G-173.

The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at 
Exhibit A.


STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant is a former member of the Air Force who served from 
12 September 1966 through 11 September 1970.

Upon review of his records, AFPC/DPSID verified the applicant’s 
entitlement to the Air Force Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service 
Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award and the Republic of 
Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.  His records will be updated 
accordingly upon final Board action.


AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSID recommends denial of the Air Medal.  The Air Medal is 
governed by Executive Order 9158 which authorizes the Secretary of 
a Military Department to award any person, while serving in any 
capacity with the United States, subsequent to 8 September 1939, 
who distinguishes himself or herself by meritorious achievement 
while participating in aerial flight.  The Air Medal may be 
awarded for combat or non-combat action in recognition of single 
acts of valor, heroism or merit while participating in aerial 
flight.  Additionally, it may be conferred for sustained 
meritorious achievement (distinction) in the performance of duties 
involving aerial flight.

There is no official documentation verifying the applicant was 
recommended for, or awarded the Air Medal.  While the applicant 
has submitted a statement in support of his request, there is no 
evidence in his record, nor did he present any official 
documentation to support his request.  

The complete AFPC/DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit C.

SAF/MRBP recommends denial of the Air Medal.  After a review of 
the applicant’s record, SAF/MRBP concurs with AFPC/DPSID’s 
recommendation to deny the applicant’s request.  Should the 
applicant locate any flight records, Air Medal citation or order, 
he can submit those documents for consideration.  

The complete SAF/MRBP evaluation is at Exhibit D.


APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the 
applicant on 3 July 2014 (Exhibit E) for review and comment within 
30 days.  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 Air Force offices of primary responsibility 
(OPR) and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion 
the applicant has not been the victim of an error of injustice.  
Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find 
relief beyond what has been administratively corrected is not 
warranted.


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-2013-05163 in Executive Session on 26 August 2014, under the 
provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	

Although,       chaired the panel, in view of her retirement,    
has signed as Acting Panel Chair.  The following documentary 
evidence was considered:

Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 11 Nov 13, w/atchs.
Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Record Excerpts.
Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPSID, dated 28 Feb 14.
Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBP, dated 9 May 14.
Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 3 Jul 14.