RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-02188
COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: NO
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
The Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM) he received for heroism
in 1985 be upgraded to the Airmans Medal.
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
While stationed at Anderson Air Force Base, Guam, he saved an
Army service member who had been carried away from the shoreline
and severely injured on the coral reef. He received cuts and
bruises while making his way to the survivors location where he
was able to carry him to safety with the help of a fellow
service member.
Prior to his retirement, he contacted the survivor who revealed
he had initiated and followed a request for the equivalent of
the Armys Soldier Medal through the Utah Adjutant General to
the Mississippi Adjutant General, but was unaware it had been
downgraded to the AFCM. In support of his request, he provides
copies of the AFCM, the AFCM Special Order G-3, the AFCM
citation and a personal letter from the survivor to the
Mississippi National Guard Adjutant General.
The applicants complete submission, with attachments, is at
Exhibit A.
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
On 22 Jun 85, according to the citation to accompany the award
of the AFCM, the applicant distinguished himself by heroism on
the island of Guam.
On 20 Nov 85, by Special Order G-3, he received the AFCM during
the period 12 to 30 Jun 85.
On 8 May 09, the applicant entered the Air National Guard.
On 31 Aug 14, the applicant was relieved from his present
reserve assignment and retired, effective 1 Sep 14. He was
credited with 20 years, 1 month and 17 days of service for
active service and retirement.
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
NGB/A1P recommends relief not be granted due to lack of
sufficient information to determine eligibility for the Airmans
Medal. The Airmans Medal is awarded for heroism involving
voluntary risk of life under conditions other than those of
conflict with an armed enemy of the United States. The saving
of a life or the success of the heroic act is not essential.
The AFCM is awarded for outstanding achievement or meritorious
service, or acts of courage that do not meet the requirements
for award of the Airmans Medal.
The complete A1P evaluation is at Exhibit C.
AFPC/DPSID recommends disapproval of upgrading the AFCM to the
Airmans Medal. DPSID agrees with NGB/A1P based on lack of
sufficient information for consideration as the applicant has
not demonstrated an error or injustice exists. It has been more
than 30 years and the applicant has not provided any
documentation to support he felt there was an error or injustice
in awarding of the AFCM for heroism for his action prior to this
application and appears to have only raised the question now
upon his pending retirement as he states if an award for
heroism exists for an enlisted member, the Secretary of the Air
Force can approve an additional 10% to retired pay.
The complete DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit D.
SAF/MRBP reviewed the applicants records and the supporting
documents and concurs with the DPSID recommendation to
disapprove upgrading the AFCM to the Airmans Medal. The
assumption of regularity convinces DPSID that consideration for
the Airmans Medal was given at the time of submission, and it
was determined that the AFCM was the appropriate level of
recognition for the applicants actions. He has not provided
any new information to support an upgrade nor shown an injustice
that has occurred.
The complete MRBP evaluation is at Exhibit E.
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the
applicant on 4 May 15 for review and comment within 30 days
(Exhibit F). 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 timely filed.
3. Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to
demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice. We took
notice of the applicants complete submission in judging the
merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinion and
recommendation of the Air Force offices of primary
responsibility and adopt their 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 documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket
Number BC-2014-02188 was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 14 May 14, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Memorandum, NGB/A1P, dated 7 Nov 14.
Exhibit D. Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 9 Feb 15.
Exhibit E. Memorandum, SAF/MRBP, dated undated.
Exhibit F. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 4 May 15.AF | BCMR | CY2013 | BC-2012-00001
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