RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2002-02696
		INDEX CODE:  107.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Army of Occupation Medal, and any others for which he might be eligible.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He went TDY to North Africa three times with the 417 FBS.  He was stationed at Hahn Air Base and Toul Roseaie in France.  He also went TDY to Wheelus Field in Tripoli North Africa 3 times.

Applicant's complete submission is attached at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant served on active duty during the period 14 January 1955 to 21 October 1958, with an assignment to France during the period 17 December 1955 to September 1958.  There is no indication in his records that he was TDY to any other location in the European or African area.

On 5 November 2002, DPPPR informed the applicant that he was not eligible for the National Defense Service Medal or Army of Occupation Medal.  He was asked to withdraw his application, but he did not respond.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSFM states that they have determined the applicant previously held the Survival Training/Personnel Equipment Air Force Specialty Code from 14 January 1955 to 21 October 1958.  During this time, no occupational badge had been authorized/established for this career field.  When the Air Force created new occupational badges for all career fields in 1994, there were no provisions made to award them retroactively; therefore, the applicant is not entitled to any Air Force Occupational badges.  Therefore, they find the applicant’s DD Form 214 to be accurate.

A complete copy of the evaluation is attached at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DPPPR states that the applicant received an Article 15 while in France and was reduced from Airman Second Class to Airman Third Class on 25 August 1958.  Since this was after his initial three years, he is entitled to the Good Conduct Medal for the period 14 January 1955 to 13 January 1958.  However, he entered the service too late to be eligible for award of the National Defense Service Medal and Army of Occupation Medal.  He was not  recommended for, or awarded, any decorations while on Active Duty, and he is not eligible for any other awards.  Therefore, they recommend denial of applicant’s request.

A complete copy of their evaluation, with attachment, is attached at Exhibit D.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 31 January 2003, copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant for review and response 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 and adopt their rationale as the basis for the 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 in Executive Session on 2 April 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 19 Aug 02, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, AFPC/DPSFM, dated 30 Oct 02.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 28 Jan 03, w/atch.
	Exhibit E.	Letter, AFBCMR, dated 31 Jan 03.