RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  02-01651
		INDEX CODE 107.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His DD Form 214 be corrected to show he was awarded the Korean Service Medal.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He had no Korean service listed on his DD Form 214.  He received neither medals nor ribbons.

In support of his application the applicant submits a copy of his DD Form 214, a letter from a senator's office and several photographs.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant's military personnel records were destroyed by fire in 1973.  Therefore, the facts surrounding his separation from service cannot be verified.

The available records reflect that the applicant entered the Air Force on 8 January 1954 for a term of 4 years and served until   1 October 1957.  Applicant served 11 months and 23 days of foreign and/or sea service as an air policeman and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.  He served 3 years, 11 months and 24 days of active service.

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application, are contained in the letter prepared by the appropriate office of the Air Force at Exhibit D.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

ARPC/DPAPP2 indicated that there were no source documents that supports his claim of service in Korea and recommends his request be denied.

AFPC/DPAPP2 evaluation is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DPPPR recommended denial.  The applicant did not provide any documentation showing he arrived in Korea prior to 27 July 1954; therefore, DPPPR cannot verify his eligibility for the Korean Service Medal or United Nations Service Medal.

AFPC/DPPPR evaluation is at Exhibit D.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to applicant on 21 June 2002 for review and response.  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 probable error or injustice.  In this respect, we note that in order to be awarded the Korean Service Medal, service members must have participated in operations in Korea during the period of 27 Jun 50 through 27 Jul 54.  Evidence has not been presented that supports his contention that he was present in Korea during the time period in question.  Absent such evidence, favorable consideration of his request is not warranted.  Therefore, 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 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 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 02-01651 in Executive Session on 20 Aug 02, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	Panel Chair
	Member
	Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 10 Sep 01, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPDPP2, dated 5 Jun 02.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 17 Jun 02.
    Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 21 Jun 02.

                                   
                                   Panel Chair