RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  02-00768

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED: NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

Her deceased brother’s records be corrected to show he was entitled to the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters and any other additional medals, ribbons or badges.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

The records are in error.

In support of her request, she submits a copy of her deceased brother's certificate of death, certification of military service, and newspaper articles.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The former service member's military personnel records were destroyed by fire in 1973.  Therefore, the facts surrounding his service in the Army Air Corp cannot be verified.  

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSFM recommended denial and stated that after a thorough review of the information submitted by the applicant, there was no documentation to support the authorization of any Air Force Specialty badges.  The request for the Certificate of Release of Discharge for Active Duty (DD Form 214) from the applicant was not received (as request from previous letter, dated 18 Jun 02).  Unfortunately, without the DD Form 214, we are unable to grant the request.  

AFPC/DPSFM complete evaluation is at Exhibit C.
AFPC/DPPPR recommended disapproval and stated that there is no Record of Separation for his WWII service or DD Form 214 for Korean era service.  The applicant has not provided any documentation to show that she is entitled to any information or the awards and decorations earned by the veteran, or that the veteran was actually awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross or Air Medal with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters.  Therefore, we cannot comply with her request.

AFPC/DPPPR complete evaluation is at Exhibit D.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Applicant reviewed the Air Force evaluation, submitted copies of the deceased member’s birth certificates, death certificate, certification of military service, honorable discharge certificate, and enlisted record.

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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 an error or injustice.  After a thorough review of the evidence of record and applicant’s submission, we are not persuaded that the former service member has been the victim of either an error or an injustice.  Applicant’s contentions are duly noted; however, we do not find these uncorroborated assertions, in and by themselves, sufficiently persuasive to override the rationale provided by the Air Force.  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 the burden that the former service member has suffered either an error or an injustice.  Therefore, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought.

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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of a 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 02-00768 in Executive Session on 26 February 2003 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

   Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 1 Mar 02, w/atchs.
   Exhibit B.  Fire Related Papers.
   Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPSFM, dated 18 Sep 02.
   Exhibit D.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 22 Nov 02
   Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 27 Nov 02.
   Exhibit F. Letter, Applicant’s Response, dated, 9 Dec 02 w/atchs.