RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  02-02575
		INDEX CODE:  107.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE 

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

_________________________________________________________________

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Air Medal with First and Second Oak Leaf Clusters (AM w/1 and 2 OLC).

_________________________________________________________________

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.

_________________________________________________________________

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The 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 (Exhibit C).

_________________________________________________________________

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommended denial.  They indicated that the applicant served on active duty during the period 17 September 1965 through 21 January 1969, with an overseas tour in Taiwan during the period 29 May 1967 through 1 October 1968.  His DD Form 214 reflects award of the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Air Force Good Conduct Medal.  His unit, the 50th Tactical Airlift Squadron (TAS), earned the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with V device and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm while he was assigned to it, and these have been added to his DD Form 214.

There is nothing in the applicant’s records to indicate that he was recommended for, or awarded, the AM w/2 OLC.  In item 11b, if more than three years since the alleged error or injustice was discovered, state why the Board should find it in the interest of justice to consider this application, the applicant stated, “The proof I had of this event was lost to him in a fire along with other documents I had.”

In the applicant’s initial inquiry to the National Personnel Records Center, the applicant stated, "the paperwork I had of this event was lost due to me relocated to another state.”

In order to verify the applicant’s eligibility for the AM w/2 OLC, this office needs a copy of each order awarding these decorations.  Air Medals are not awarded automatically; a written recommendation package must be submitted into official channels (signed by the recommending official and endorsed by the next higher official in the chain of command).  The applicant has not provided any documentation to substantiate his claim.  Therefore, they can not verify his eligibility for award of the AM w/2 OLC.

The evaluation, with attachments, is at Exhibit C.

_________________________________________________________________

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 27 September 2002, a copy of the evaluation was forwarded to the applicant for review and response within thirty (30) days.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office. 

_________________________________________________________________

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 an 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 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.

_________________________________________________________________

THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of an error or an 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.

_________________________________________________________________

The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number 02-02575 in Executive Session on 29 October 2002, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

   Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 6 August 2002, w/atchs.
   Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
   Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 9 September 2002,
               w/atchs.
   Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 27 September 2002.