RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  01-01097
		INDEX CODE 131.03 107.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  YES

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to show that he was promoted to the grade of technical sergeant (E-6) and that he be given additional campaign participation credit.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

The reasons the applicant believes the records to be in error or unjust and the evidence submitted in support of the appeal are at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The relevant facts pertaining to this application are contained in the letter prepared by the appropriate office of the Air Force.  Accordingly, there is no need to recite these facts in this Record of Proceedings.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATIONS:

The Chief, Inquiries/AFBCMR Section, AFPC/DPPPWB, reviewed the application and recommends the Board impose the statute of limitations and deny the request.  However, should the Board decide the case, they recommend it be denied based on its merits.

A complete copy of the evaluation is attached at Exhibit B.

The Chief, Recognition Programs Branch, AFPC/DPPR, reviewed the application and states that it is entirely possible that the applicant’s unit was credited with participation in ten campaigns; however, his unit of assignment is not identified on his Report of Separation and without this information, they can not verify the correct number of service stars to which he is entitled.  Therefore, they recommend no change be made to the applicant’s campaign participation credit.  

A complete copy of the evaluation is attached at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATIONS:

The applicant reviewed the evaluations and provides responses that are at Exhibits D, F and H.

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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 probable error or injustice to warrant correcting the applicant’s records to reflect that he held the grade of technical sergeant at the time of his discharge.  The applicant contends that during the period in question, once an individual was placed in a chief engineer position, they were promoted to the grade of technical sergeant.  He further contends that since he held this position, he is entitled to the grade of technical sergeant.  In support of this contention, the applicant submits statements from three individuals comparing their service histories to his.  Although no official documentation has been provided to substantiate these statements, the National Personnel Records Center has been unable to locate the applicant’s records and it is presumed they were destroyed by fire in 1973.  In view of this, and since we have no reason to question the integrity of these World War II veterans, we believe this doubtful issue should be decided in the applicant’s behalf. Therefore, we recommend his records be corrected to show that at the time of his discharge on 23 September 1945, he held the grade of technical sergeant.

4.  Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of probable error or injustice to warrant a change in the applicant’s campaign participation credit.  We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Recognition Programs Branch and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice to warrant changing his campaign participation credit.  Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting this portion of the application.

5.  The applicant's case is adequately documented and it has not been shown that a personal appearance with or without counsel will materially add to our understanding of the issue(s) involved.  Therefore, the request for a hearing is not favorably considered.

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THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that at the time of his honorable discharge on 23 September 1945, he held the grade of technical sergeant (E-6).

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The following members of the Board considered this application in Executive Session on 26 July 2001, 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 13 Apr 01, w/atchs.
  	Exhibit B.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPWB, dated 30 Apr 01.
  	Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 17 May 01.
   	Exhibit D.  Letter, Applicant, 1 Jun 01.
	Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MIBR, dated 1 Jun 01.
	Exhibit F.  Letter, Applicant, dated 2 Jun 01.
	Exhibit G.  Letter, AFBCMR, dated 13 Jun 01.
	Exhibit H.  Letter, Applicant, dated 18 Jun 01, w/atchs.

		 
                                  Panel Chair 

AFBCMR 01-01097

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 APPLICANT, be corrected to show that at the time of his honorable discharge on 23 September 1945, he held the grade of technical sergeant (E-6).

							
							Director
							Air Force Review Boards Agency