RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2002-03555
		INDEX CODE: 107.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Air Medal.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He flew 17 combat missions in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War.  He indicates that the rest of the crew received Air Medals.

In support of his appeal, the applicant provided a personal statement and other documentation.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

During the time period in question, the applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 19 June 1962 in the grade of airman first class for a period of four years. 

On 17 June 1966, the applicant was honorably discharged in the grade of airman first class, under the provisions of AFR 39-14 (Expiration of Term of Service).  His Total Active Federal Military Service (TAFMS) was 14 years, 5 months, and 7 days.

According to the applicant’s DD Form 214, he received the following awards: Air Force Good Conduct Medal (AFGCM), Air Force Longevity Service Award with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters (AFLSA w/2 Br OLCs), and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (AFOUA).

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommended denial.  They indicated that the applicant’s AF Form 7 shows that he was promoted to SSgt on 1 June 1963, but demoted to A1C on 12 November 1965, as the result of an Article 15.  It also shows that he was TDY for 16 days, starting 28 February 1963; TDY for 38 days, starting 21 September 1965; and TDY for 29 days, starting 16 March 1966.  There is no indication of the location or the reason for any TDY trips.  Page 3 of the AF Form 7 contains the statement, “Pd of svc fr 14 Jan 64 to 12 Nov 65 NOT CREDITABLE for award AFGCM.”  The applicant’s Enlisted Performance Report states, “Recently, [his] performance and conduct has not measured up to standards commensurate with his grade and time in service” and “the reason for the low rating was his failure to respond with his crew to a higher headquarters exercise and his attitude concerning participation.”  It should be noted that at the end of his first enlistment (10 January 1956, the applicant held the rank of SSgt (E-5), but his rank at the end of the next two enlistment periods (18 June 1962 and 17 June 1966) was A1C (E-4).  He did not reenlist, even with over 14 years of active duty service.  The applicant has not provided any documentation showing he flew any combat or combat support missions; he has not provided any documentation showing he flew any missions over or into Vietnam; and he has not provided any documentation showing other crew members received an Air Medal and he did not, for the same mission(s).  Since the applicant cannot recommend himself for an Air Medal, and there is no indication anyone in his chain of command recommended him, they cannot verify the applicant’s eligibility for award of the Air Medal.

The evaluation, with attachments, is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 28 March 2003, a copy of the Air Force evaluation was 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 an error or an injustice warranting award of the Air Medal.  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.  According to the applicant’s military personnel records there is no indication that he was recommended for, or awarded the Air Medal or that he flew any combat or combat support missions over or into Vietnam.  Furthermore, we note that a decoration cannot be recommended or awarded if a member’s entire period of service is not honorable and it appears the applicant was given non-judicial punishment during the contested time period.  Lastly, on 2 December 2002 AFPC/DPPPRA requested the applicant provide a copy of the TDY order showing he was deployed to Vietnam in direct support of operations, a travel voucher, individual flight records, or the recommendation package for award of the Air Medal.  He responded that he was providing the only documents he had, but would request additional documents from NPRC.  He failed to provide the referenced documentation and was advised to withdraw his application until he could provide that support, but did not respond.  We find no compelling basis to recommend favorable action on his request.

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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 1 May 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	            Panel Chair
	            Member
	            Member

The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2002-03555 was considered:

   Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 2 November 2002, w/atchs.
   Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
   Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 24 March 2003,      
               w/atchs.
   Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 28 March 2003.