RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-02353 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: YES APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His records be corrected to reflect he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM), First Oak Leaf Cluster (1BOLC) for his outstanding achievement on 16 Mar 70. APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: His AFCM (1BOLC) was being processed through the orderly room; however, when the staff rotated out, the new personnel failed to continue the processing of his medal. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: On 23 Aug 67, the applicant commenced his enlistment in the Regular Air Force. The applicant served with the 4th Tactical Fighter Squadron in DaNang Air Base, Vietnam from 21 Mar 69 to 3 Apr 70. The applicant received the AFCM for his meritorious service from 28 Apr 69 to 26 Apr 70. The Rescue Information Report, dated March 16, 1970, reflects an aircraft accident occurred on DaNang Air Base, Vietnam. The applicant’s Air Force Form 7, Airman Military Record, Item 18, Remarks, states Counterinsurgency experience in Vietnam from 28 Apr 69 to 4 Apr 70. On 22 Jun 71, he was furnished an honorable discharge, and was credited with 3 years and 10 months of active service. On 25 Mar 15, the Board staff forwarded the applicant a copy of Rescue Information Report, dated 16 Mar 70, for his review and comment within 30 days. As of this date, no response has been received by this office. AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSID recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice. The AFCM is awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Air Force after 24 Mar 58, who distinguished themselves by meritorious achievement or service for at least one day served for each campaign phase. While the applicant provided a copy the citation for award of the AFCM (1BOLC), his entitlement to it could not be verified. The special order is the source document used to verify award of a decoration. There was no official documentation located in the applicant’s military record to verify he was recommended for or awarded the AFCM (1BOLC). In order for a request to be reasonably considered, the applicant will need to submit a recommendation from someone, preferably in his rating chain at the time with firsthand knowledge of his act or achievement, a proposed citation with inclusive dates and a summary of his act or achievement and eyewitness statements. The applicant’s entitlement to the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor and one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster (AFOUA w/V and 1BOLC), Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars (VSM w/3 BSS) and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVNGC w/P) was verified and his records will be administratively corrected to reflect these medals. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit C. APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 27 Oct 14 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 injustice with respect to the applicant’s request for the Air Force Commendation Medal, First Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster (AFCM (1BOLC)). While the applicant has provided what appears to be a citation for the requested award recognizing his efforts associated with an aircraft accident on 16 Mar 70, and a Rescue Information Report reflects an aircraft accident occurred on the 16 Mar 70, without the certificate and/or special orders, we do not find the evidence sufficient to conclude that the applicant was or should have been awarded the AFCM (1BOLC) for his purported participation in this incident. In this respect, we note that while it is possible he was recommended for the AFCM (1BOLC), without any evidence that the commander approved a recommendation for such an award, we cannot conclude that it is more likely than not that he was awarded the requested decoration. We note the Air Force OPR has verified the applicant’s entitlement to the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor and one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and will correct his records administratively. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting any relief beyond that rendered administratively. 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 our understanding of the issues involved. Therefore, the request for a hearing is not favorably considered. 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-2014-02353 in Executive Session on 24 Mar 15 and 7 May 15 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: , Panel Chair , Member , Member ? The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-02353 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 3 Jun 14, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 8 Aug 14. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 27 Oct 14. Exhibit E. Letter, AFBCMR, dated 25 Mar 15, w/atch.