RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:				DOCKET NUMBER:  02-02527
INDEX CODE:  107.00
	XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX			COUNSEL: YES

	XXXXXXXXXXXXXX				HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: 

He be awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medals.
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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He refused the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medals in May 1967 after he felt his Captain was making a joke out of these service awards. 

In support of his application, he provides three letters of appreciation/favorable communication; a copy of his citation for the Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM); a copy of his citation for AFCM first oak leaf cluster (1OLC); and a copy of VA Form 21-22, Appointment as Claimant’s Representative with a transmittal letter.  The applicant’s complete submission with attachments is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant contracted his initial enlistment in the Regular Air Force on 7 February 1961 for a period of four years.  He was progressively promoted to the grade of Airman First Class (E-4).  He was honorably discharged on 6 February 1965.  The applicant’s DD Form 214, Armed Forces of The United States Report of Transfer or Discharge, reflects the applicant was awarded an Air Force Good Conduct Medal (AFGCM) for the period 7 February 1961 through 6 February 1964.  

On 7 February 1965, the applicant reenlisted in the Regular Air Force for a term of four years.  He served an overseas tour in Vietnam from 12 September 1966 through 4 September 1967.  The applicant was promoted to Staff Sergeant on 21 June 1966 with an effective date of 1 June 1966.  He was honorably discharged on 6 February 1969, having served eight years on active duty.  His DD Form 214 for his second term of active duty reflects the applicant was awarded the Air Force Good Conduct Medal (AFGCM) 1OLC for period 7 February 1964 through 6 February 1967; the Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM), 17 January 1967; and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (RVCM).  

A DD Form 215, Correction to DD Form 214, was accomplished on 5 November 2002 to correct the applicant’s records for the following awards:  AFCM w/1OLC, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 1OLC, Presidential Unit Citation, NCO PME Graduate Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award with 1OLC, and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.  
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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR reviewed the applicant’s case file and recommends disapproval.  DPPPR stated that the applicant did not provide any documentation to substantiate his claim.  There is no indication in his records that he was wounded in action as a direct result of enemy action, or that he was recommended for, or awarded, the Purple Heart Medal or Bronze Star Medal.  He has not provided any information or documentation regarding having been wounded or injured while stationed in Vietnam, nor has he provided any medical records showing he was wounded as a direct result of enemy action.  

On 20 August 2002, DPPPRA sent a letter to the applicant requesting supporting documentation for the Purple Heart Medal and Bronze Star Medal; however, as of this date, the applicant has not responded. 

The DPPPR evaluation with attachments 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 15 November 2002 for review and response (Exhibit D).  As of this date, this office has received no response.

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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.  After a thorough review of the available records, we found no evidence that the individual is eligible for the award of the Purple Heart or Bronze Star Medals.  The applicant did not provide any documentary evidence to substantiate his claim.  There is no indication in his records that he was wounded in action as a direct result of enemy action, or that he was recommended for, or awarded, the Purple Heart Medal or Bronze Star Medal.  There is no evidence showing the applicant was treated unfairly or unjustly, therefore, 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 in Executive Session on 5 February 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered in connection with AFBCMR Docket No. 02-02527:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 15 May 02, with attachments.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 29 Oct 02.