RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-01159
COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: NO
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
His Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM) be upgraded to a
Meritorious Service Medal (MSM).
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
His commander recommended him for a MSM. The package was reviewed
by the Deputy Commander for Maintenance who was outside the
applicants chain of command and returned the recommendation with
instructions to downgrade the award based on the grade of the
applicant. His commander argued the applicants accomplishments
and dedication to the mission; however, reluctantly downgraded the
original recommendation to an AFCM. Had the package followed the
normal chain of command he would have been awarded an MSM.
In support of his request, the applicant submits a copy of a
signed AF Form 642, Recommendation for Decoration, signed by his
squadron commander recommending award of an MSM and DD Form 214,
Report of Separation 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 5 Jul 72.
On 19 Dec 74, the applicant was furnished an Honorable discharge,
and was credited with 3 years, 5 months, and 15 days of active
service.
The applicants DD Form 214 reflects the award of the following
Air Force Medals and/or Ribbons:
- Air Force Commendation Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are
contained in the memorandum prepared by the Air Force office of
primary responsibility (OPR), which is attached at Exhibit C.
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DPSID recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an
error or an injustice.
The MSM is awarded to service members assigned to traditional
single-service organizations and units, whereas the Defense
Meritorious Service Medal is a Defense/Joint award that is awarded
to service members assigned to qualifying joint activities. The
MSM may be awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces
who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious
achievement or service to the United States. The MSM may be
awarded for outstanding achievement or service while serving in a
designated combat zone. The MSM may be awarded posthumously.
The applicant provided a Recommendation for Decoration (AF Form
642) dated 15 Aug 75, for award of the MSM for outstanding
service with award inclusive period of 23 May 73 to 18 Dec 75.
It appears that the recommendation for award of the Meritorious
Service Medal and the award of the Air Force Commendation Medal
are for the same acts/achievement. as The AF Form 642 and
Special Order G-459 reflect the award inclusive period and
reflect the condition of outstanding/meritorious service.
Therefore, it appears more likely than not that the Meritorious
Service Medal recommendation was downgraded by the approval
authority to the Air Force Commendation Medal.
The applicant did not provide any proof of his claim of the
recommendation for award of the Meritorious Service Medal being
improperly processed which lead to the downgrade to the Air
Force Commendation Medal; however, in the absence of any other
documentation it can only be assumed that the original award
approval authority, who was most knowledge of the applicant's
act/achievement at the time it occurred, felt the applicant's
actions warranted award of the Air Force Commendation Medal and
not the Meritorious Service Medal.
A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit C.
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
On 5 Oct 14, the applicant responded to the Air Force Advisory in
which he contends that the chain of command was not properly
followed which resulted in his MSM being downgraded to an AFCM.
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. We took
notice of the applicants complete submission, to include his
rebuttal comments, in judging the merits of the case; however, we
agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office
of primary responsibility (OPR) and adopt its rationale as the
basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of
an error of injustice. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to
the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting the requested
relief.
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-2014-01159 in Executive Session on 26 Feb 15 under the
provisions of AFI 36-2603:
, Panel Chair
, Member
, Member
The following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 17 Mar 14, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 1 Aug 14.
Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 29 Sep 14.
Exhibit E. Applicants Letter, dated 5 Oct 14.
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