RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2013-05810
COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: NO
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
He be awarded the following:
1. The Bronze Star Medal (BSM).
2. The Meritorious Service Medal (MSM). (Administratively corrected)
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
He received the BSM and MSM while on active duty, but they do not appear on his retirement DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
The applicants complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 30 Jan 55.
On 1 Sep 78, the applicant retired, and was credited with 23 years, 7 months, and 1 day of total active service.
On 24 Mar 14, AFPC/DPSIDR directed the applicants records be corrected to reflect the following:
a. Change VSM to read Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars (VSM w/3BSS).
b. Add the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVNGC w/P).
c. Add the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM).
d. Add the Non Commissioned Officer Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon (NCOPMEGR).
The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are described in the memoranda prepared by the Air Force offices of primary responsibility (OPR), which are included at Exhibits C and D.
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DPSID recommends granting the applicants request for award of the BSM. The applicant provided a certificate for award of the BSM for the period 28 Nov 68 through 27 Sep 69 which appears to be authentic.
A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit C.
SAF/MRBP recommends granting the applicants request for the BSM. The applicant provided a certificate and special order for award of the MSM for the period 9 Jul 75 through 31 Aug 78 and AFPC directed the applicants DD Form 214 be administratively corrected to add the MSM. The applicant also submitted a certificate for award of the BSM for the period 28 Nov 68 through 27 Sep 69 which appears to be authentic, so his DD Form 214 should also be updated to add the BSM.
A complete copy of the 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 21 Jul 14 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit E). 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 an injustice. We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case and agree with the opinions and recommendations of the Air Force offices of primary responsibility and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion that applicants request for the BSM should be granted. The Board notes the applicants records have been administratively corrected to reflect award of the MSM, along with several other decorations. Therefore, we recommend the applicants record be corrected as indicated below.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:
The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to the APPLICANT be corrected to show he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal on 27 September 1969.
The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2013-05810 in Executive Session on 13 Nov 14 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:
Panel Chair
Member
Member
All members voted to correct the records as recommended. The following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 16 Dec 13, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 24 Mar 14.
Exhibit D. Memorandum, SAF/MRBP, dated 29 Apr 14.
Exhibit E. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 21 Jul 14.
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