RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  01-01927
		INDEX CODE 107.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His record be corrected to reflect the award of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He believed he should have been awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal as he participated in the American evacuation of Saigon, South Vietnam.  He supports his contention by submitting a letter of appreciation from the Chief of Security Police.

Applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is attached at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The Recognition Programs Branch, HQ AFPC/DPPPRA, advised the applicant on 31 Aug 01 that his DD Form 214 had been administratively corrected to reflect award of the Air Force Good Conduct Medal and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application, extracted from the applicant's military records, 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 EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommended disapproval.  The applicant has not provided any documentation to substantiate his claim that he participated in Operation FREQUENT WIND on 29-30 Apr 75.  The applicant claims he volunteered on 29 Apr 75 for an unknown mission, immediately boarded a C-130, flew several hours to reach Vietnam, and then flew back without landing to Ubon RTAFB, which was closed, then on to Udorn RTAFB the next day.  He claims that the operation was of such short notice that no TDY orders or Travel Vouchers were used.  The Letter of Appreciation states that the applicant was TDY from Udorn RTAFB to Ubon RTAFB (although it does not state the inclusive dates).  The Letter of Appreciation merely states that the applicant was TDY within Thailand; there is no mention of his having been to Vietnam on 29-30 Apr 75.  By his own admission, the applicant states he did not land in Vietnam; therefore, they can not verify his participation in the evacuation operation.  Tan Son Nhut airfield was destroyed on   27 Apr 75, and helicopters accomplished the evacuation of Saigon.  The applicant has not provided any documentation showing that he was anywhere but in Thailand on 29-30 Apr 75.  Without any documentation to substantiate the applicant’s claim, they can not verify his eligibility for the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for participation in Operation FREQUENT WIND.

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

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The applicant reviewed the evaluations and provided a response with attachments, which is attached as 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 timely filed.

3.	Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of probable error or injustice.  After a thorough review of the available evidence and applicant’s submission, we are not persuaded that he is entitled to the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.  His contentions are duly noted; however, he has not provided persuasive evidence to warrant relief. We therefore agree with the recommendations of the Air Force and adopt the rationale expressed as the basis for our decision that the applicant has failed to sustain his burden of having suffered either an error or an injustice.  We find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application.

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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of probable material error or injustice; that the application was denied without a personal appearance; and that the application will only be reconsidered upon the submission of newly discovered relevant evidence not considered with this application.

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The following members of the Board considered this application in Executive Session on 5 December 2001, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

			Panel Chair
			Member
			Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 27 Jun 01, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, AFPC/DPPPR dated 17 Aug 01.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MIBR, dated 31 Aug 01.
	Exhibit E.	Applicant's responses, dated 6 Aug and 4 Sep 01.