RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2003-01752
INDEX CODE: 107.00
COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: NO
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
His DD Form 214 be corrected to show he was awarded the Bronze Star
Medal (BSM).
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
His DD Form 214 does not reflect award of the BSM. The medal was
presented to him at his retirement. The paperwork for the medal
arrived after his DD Form 214 was completed and the DD Form 214 was
never corrected.
Applicant's complete submission, with attachments, is attached at
Exhibit A.
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
On 8 July 1948, the applicant enlisted in the Air Force for a period
of three years.
The applicant’s DD Form 214 reflects he was awarded the Commendation
Ribbon (CR), Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) with one Oak Leaf
Cluster (OLC), Air Medal (AM) with seven OLCs, Gallantry Cross (GC)
with a Silver Star (SS), Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM) with two
OLCs, Purple Heart (PH), National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) with
one Bronze Service Star (BSS), Korean Service Medal (KSM), United
Nations Service Medal (UNSM), Army Occupation Medal (AOM), Air Force
Longevity Service Award (AFLSA) with four OLCs, Air Force Outstanding
Unit Achievement (AFOUA) with two OLCs, Armed Forces Reserve Medal
(AFRESM), Good Conduct Medal (GCM), Small Arms Expert Marksmanship
Ribbon (SAEMR), Air Force Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) with two BSSs,
Vietnam Service Medal (VSM), with four BSSs, Combat Readiness Medal
(CRM), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (RVCM).
A DD Form 215 was issued on 2 February 2001 adding the Silver Star to
the applicant’s DD Form 214 for the period 29 October 1969 to 1
November 1969.
The applicant retired on 1 November 1970. He served 21 years, 10
months and 14 days of active duty service.
_________________________________________________________________
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DPPPR on 17 June 2003 informed the applicant that his records did
not indicate he was recommended for or was awarded the medal. DPPPR
requested the applicant provide a copy of the order awarding him the
BSM to verify his eligibility for the award. On 25 June 2003, the
applicant responded that he did not receive a copy of the order and
provided another copy of the certificate. Without a copy of a valid
order, the applicant’s eligibility for the BSM cannot be verified.
Therefore, they recommend denial of applicant’s request.
A complete copy of the evaluation, with attachments, is attached at
Exhibit C.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
On 18 July 2003, a copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to
the applicant for review and response 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. Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate
the existence of error or injustice. Although a copy of the orders
awarding the applicant the BSM are unavailable, the applicant has
provided a copy of the certificate awarding him the BSM. The
applicant’s record reflects he was a highly decorated officer having
received 19 other awards and decorations during his career.
Therefore, we believe it is possible the applicant was awarded the BSM
for his meritorious service while stationed in the Republic of Vietnam
during the period 20 September 1969 through 20 May 1970 but that it
was simply not reflected on his separation documents. With no basis
to question the applicant’s integrity, and in recognition of his
service to the Nation, it is our opinion that any doubt should be
resolved in the applicant's favor. In view of this, we do not believe
the absence of the special orders awarding the BSM should prevent him
from receiving the requested relief. Therefore, we recommend his
records be corrected to the extent indicated below.
_________________________________________________________________
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:
The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force
relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that on 3 September
1790, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service for
the period 20 September 1969 through 20 May 1970.
_________________________________________________________________
The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-
2003-01752 in Executive Session on 17 September 2003, under the
provisions of AFI 36-2603:
Ms. Peggy E. Gordon, Panel Chair
Mr. Michael V. Barbino, Member
Mr. Patricia Kelly, Member
All members voted to correct the records, as recommended. The
following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 19 May 03, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPPPR dated 8 Jul 03,w/atchs.
Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 18 Jul 03.
PEGGY E. GORDON
Panel Chair
AFBCMR BC-2003-01752
MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF
Having received and considered the recommendation of the
Air Force Board for Correction for Military Records and under the
authority of Section 1552, Title 10, United States Code (70A Stat
116) it is directed that:
The pertinent military records of the Department of the
Air Force relating to , be corrected to show that he was
awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service for the period
20 September 1969 through 20 May 1970.
JOE G. LINEBERGER
Director
Air Force Review Boards Agency
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