RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  01-03591
		INDEX CODE:  107.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Air Medal (AM).
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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He flew approximately 400 hours into a combat zone in Korea over a period of approximately 9 months.

In support of his request, applicant provided a copy of his Individual Flight Records.  His complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant contracted his initial enlistment in the Regular Air Force 15 Jul 48.  He was progressively promoted to the grade of staff sergeant, having assumed that grade effective and with a date of rank of 21 Nov 51.  He was discharged from the Air Force on 2 Jun 53.  He served 5 years, 8 months, and 15 days on active duty.

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application, extracted from the applicant’s available military records, are contained in the letter prepared by the appropriate office of the Air Force at Exhibit C.  

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR reviewed applicant’s request and recommends denial.  DPPPR states that the applicant served on an overseas tour in Japan from 30 Oct 52 to 1 May 53.  His records were destroyed in the 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center, St. Louis, MO.  On 22 Jan 02, he was informed that the documents he provided did not indicate that he was assigned to Korea or that he flew over Korea in direct support of operations.  He was also asked to provide anything showing he was recommended for the AM.  

His Individual Flight Records show that he was assigned to the 6th Carrier Squadron in Japan, but do not indicate that he flew into or over Korea or that any of his flights were combat flight missions.  He stated that he was not recommended for the AM but believes that his Individual Flight Records should be enough for a recommendation.  He has not provided any documentation to verify any of his claims.  The DPPPR evaluation, with attachments, is at Exhibit C.
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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The applicant responded and states that practically every flight he made was into Korea.  The first and far right columns gives the destination of each flight.  They indicate that he flew into K1, K2, K3, K13, K16, K18, and K47.  He also flew into K31 on numerous occasions.  These are airfields in Korea, the "K" stands for Korea.  K1 is Pusan, K2 is Tageau, K16 is Seoul and etc.  

In support of his request, applicant provided additional copies of documents he previously provided.  His complete submission, with attachments, 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.  Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of probable error or injustice.  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 Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  In this respect, while it appears that the applicant may have participated in combat operations in Korea, we see no evidence of meritorious service or service that was accomplished distinctively, above and beyond that expected of professional airmen.  The fact that an individual participated in aerial combat missions in itself, is insufficient justification for award of the Air Medal.  Therefore, in the absence of persuasive evidence to the contrary, 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 Docket Number 01-03591 in Executive Session on 25 Apr 02, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	Panel Chair
	Member
	Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 14 Dec 01, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 25 Feb 02, w/atchs.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 8 Mar 02.
    Exhibit E.  Letter, Applicant, dated 13 Mar 02, w/atchs.