RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  02-00374

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED: NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Combat Infantry Badge (CIB).

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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:

Applicant’s records reflect that he was awarded the Small Arms Marksmanship Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Air Force Good Conduct Medal.

Other 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 at Exhibit C.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPPPR reviewed this application and recommended disapproval.  Applicant served on active duty during the period 5 Dec 63 – 4 Dec 67, with an overseas tour in Vietnam from 26 Dec 65 – 19 Dec 66.  The CIB is an Army badge, awarded to personnel with an infantry or special forces military occupational specialty (MOS) who satisfactorily performed duty with an infantry or special forces unit that was engaged in active ground combat.  Since the applicant was in the Air Force while stationed in Vietnam, and he was not in an infantry or special forces unit engaged in active ground combat, he is not eligible for award of the CIB.  On 8 Mar 02, applicant was informed that the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) is not an Air Force Badge, and was asked to withdraw his application; applicant did not respond.

A complete copy of the evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 17 May 2002 for review and comment within 30 days.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office.

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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 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.  Therefore, in the absence of 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 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 AFBCMR Docket Number 02-00374 in Executive Session on 11 July 2002, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 17 Jan 02, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 9 May 02, w/atchs.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 17 May 02, w/atchs.