RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2003-04012
INDEX CODE: 107.00
COUNSEL: None
HEARING DESIRED: No
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
His DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
be corrected to reflect award of the Air Medal (AM).
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
He recently discovered a Seventh Air Force Awards Element letter
awarding him the AM. He never received it. His records should
reflect all awards and decorations, especially those earned during
combat operations.
Applicant's complete submission, with attachments, is attached at
Exhibit A.
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
The applicant entered extended active duty in the grade of second
lieutenant on 13 August 1956 and was progressively promoted to the
grade of lieutenant colonel. He retired on 1 July 1980 after serving
23 years, 10 months and 18 days of active duty.
The applicant’s DD Form 214 reflects he was awarded the Meritorious
Service Medal (MSM), Bronze Star (BS), Air Force Commendation Medal
(AFCM) with One Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Small Arms Expert
Marksmanship Ribbon (SAER), Combat Readiness Medal (CRM), Air Force
Longevity Service Award Ribbon with 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters,
National Defense Service Medal (NDSM), Vietnam Service Medal (VSM)
with two Bronze Services Stars, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
(AFOUA) with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, and Republic of Vietnam
Campaign Medal (RVCM).
_________________________________________________________________
AIR STAFF EVALUATION:
HQ AFPC/DPPPR states the applicant was notified on 21 January 2004,
that the documentation he provided did not substantiate his
request for award of the AM. He was also advised that a copy of the
special order awarding the AM was needed in support of his request or
he should follow the guidelines of the Fiscal Year (FY) 1996 National
Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to receive consideration for award of
the AM. He did not respond. Although his records did contain a copy
of the transmittal letter awarding the AM, without a copy of the
special order awarding the AM, his eligibility for the award cannot be
verified. AFPC/DPPPR recommends disapproval of the applicant’s
request.
A complete copy of the Air Staff evaluation is attached at Exhibit C.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR STAFF EVALUATION:
A complete copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the
applicant on 16 April 2004, for review and response. 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 of timely file.
3. Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate
the existence of error or injustice. Although the orders awarding the
applicant the AM are unavailable, the applicant has provided a copy of
the transmittal letter by Seventh Air Force awarding him the AM. The
applicant’s record reflects he was awarded several medals and ribbons
for his excellent service. We believe it is possible the applicant
was awarded the AM for his achievements and 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 AM 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 the DD Form 214,
Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, Block 13, be
amended to show he was awarded the Air Medal.
_________________________________________________________________
The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-
2003-04012 in Executive Session on 18 May 2004, under the provisions
of AFI 36-2603:
Ms. Brenda L. Romine, Panel Chair
Ms. Carolyn B. Willis, Member
Ms. Cheryl V. Jacobson, Member
All members voted to correct the records as recommended. The
following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 30 Nov 03, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPPR, dated 13 Apr 04.
Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 16 Apr 04.
BRENDA L. ROMINE
Panel Chair
AFBCMR BC-2003-04012
MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF
Having received and considered the recommendation of the Air
Force Board for Correction of 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 the DD Form
214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, Block 13,
be amended to show he was awarded the Air Medal.
JOE G. LINEBERGER
Director
Air Force Review Boards Agency
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