RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
	AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:					DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2013-00135
							COUNSEL:  NONE
   							HEARING DESIRED: NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge, be corrected to reflect the award of the Air Medal (AM).  

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

On 7 August 1969, he was awarded the AM for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight from 2 April 1969 to 24 May 1969.  

In support of his request, the applicant provides copies of the AM and the Helicopter Rescue Award.  

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant served on active duty from 18 June 1965 to 23 June 1969 and was released under honorable conditions.  

He was assigned as a Pararescueman with the 37th Aerospace Rescue Recovery Squadron, Da Nang, Vietnam, from 8 February 1969 to 21 May 1969.

The AM is awarded to U.S. military and civilian personnel for single acts of heroism or meritorious achievements while participating in aerial flight and foreign military personnel in actual combat in support of operations.  The required achievement is less than that required for the Distinguished Flying Cross, but must be accomplished with distinction above and beyond that expected of professional airmen.

The AM certificate provided by the applicant reflects that the AM was awarded for Meritorious Achievement while participating in Aerial Flight from 2 April 1969 to 24 May 1969.

The Helicopter Rescue Award provided by the applicant reflects that he received this award for his skill and courage while participating as a crew member on 14 May 1960 in a lifesaving mission with a Sikorsky helicopter.  

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSID recommends denial.  DPSID states that although the applicant provided a signed certificate for the AM, a citation and special order was not provided.  DPSID was also unable to locate documents in the applicant’s service records to substantiate award of the AM.  The applicant contends he received the AM for trying to save a life in Vietnam; however, this is inconsistent with the AM certificate as lifesaving events tend to be a one day event.  The provided citation has an inclusive period of nearly two months and shows to have been for meritorious achievement.  Service members are normally recognized with the AM or the Air Force Commendation Medal with Valor for acts of courage or heroism involving voluntary risk of life whereas the AM recognizes service members for achievements while participating in aerial flight.  Due to the inconsistencies with the applicant's claim and the provided certificate, the authenticity of the certificate is questionable. Nonetheless, should the Board determine the applicant has exhausted all avenues of administrative relief, we recommend denial based on lack of official documentation in his official military personnel records verifying the applicant was recommended for and awarded the AM. To grant award of the AM would be contrary to the criteria established by DoDM 1384.33, Manual of Military Decorations and Awards: DoD Service Awards-Campaign, Expeditionary and Service Awards.

Upon the Board’s final decision, DPSID will administratively correct the applicant’s records to show award of the Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.  
   
The complete DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit C.  

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APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The AM he received was for on-going missions in May 1969 into North Vietnam in search of a downed pilot.  He also received the Helicopter Rescue Award for rescuing someone with a bleeding ulcer. 

The applicant’s complete response is at Exhibit E.  

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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 error or injustice.  After a thorough review of the evidence presented, we are persuaded relief is warranted.  We note the recommendation from the Air Force Office or Primary Responsibility (OPR) to deny the relief based on the fact they were unable to locate any official source documents in the applicant’s military personnel records, i.e., the special orders, awarding him the AM.  We also note that the OPR questions the authenticity of the AM.  However, we find the evidence provided, which includes an AM certificate signed by the 7th AF/CC for meritorious achievement and the Helicopter Rescue Award for a lifesaving mission during the same time frame sufficient to conclude  the applicant was awarded the AM.  Accordingly, we recommend his records be corrected to reflect award of the AM.  We also note that the Air Force OPR has verified the applicant’s entitlement to the PUC, VSM w/2 BSS, SAEMR, RVNGC w/P, and his DD Form 214 will be administratively corrected to reflect these medals.  Therefore, in the interest of justice, we recommend his records be corrected as indicated below.  

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THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The pertinent military records relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to reflect that his DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge, issued in conjunction with his separation on 23 Jun 1969, be amended in Item 24, Decorations, Medals, Badges, or Commendations, Citations and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized, to include the Air Medal.  

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The following members of the Board considered Docket Number BC-2013-00135 in Executive Session on 26 Sep 2013, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	  , Panel Chair
	  , Member
	  , Member





All members voted to correct the records, as recommended.  The following pertinent evidence in Docket Number BC-2013-00135 was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 4 Jan 2013, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant’s Available Military Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPSID, dated 13 May 2013.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 31 May 2013.
    Exhibit E.  Letter, Applicant, undated, w/atchs.

    


 
					Panel Chair