RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-00083
				INDEX CODE:  107.00
	APPLICANT	COUNSEL:  Connecticut Department
						   of Veterans Affairs

	SSN		HEARING DESIRED:  No

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to reflect he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal (GCM), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM), Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM) and the Air Force Achievement Medal (AFAM).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He is entitled to these awards because of the informal nature of duty in the Congo-covert action.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant served on  active duty from 18 March 1959 through 18 June 1963.  His records reflect he had an overseas tour in England. The applicant had a permanent change of station (PCS) to Leopoldville in the Congo from 8 August 1961 through 11 June 1962.  His DD Form 214 reflects he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal.  A DD Form 215 was issued on 29 May 2003, to reflect the award of the National Defense Service Medal.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPPPRA states that on 4 March 2003, they informed the applicant that his DD Form 214 already reflected award of the Good Conduct Medal.  They further informed him that he was entitled to receive the National Defense Service Medal.  He was also informed that he did not meet the criteria to be awarded the AFEM and that Air Force Overseas (Long/Short) Tour Ribbons were not established until 12 October 1980, and since he was not on 
active duty after this period he is not eligible for these ribbons.  In regard to the applicant’s request for the AFAM and AFCM, there is no indication in his records that he was recommended for these awards, nor did he provide documentation in support of his request.  AFPC/DPPPRA requested he withdraw his application.  The applicant did not respond.  They recommend his request for award of the AFEM, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, AFCM, and AFAM be denied.

A complete copy of the Air Force evaluation is attached 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 4 June 2003, 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 of 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 our decision that the applicant has failed to sustain his burden that he has suffered either an error or an injustice.  It is noted that the applicant’s record reflects that he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the Air Force has awarded him the National Defense Service Medal.  The applicant has not provided any persuasive evidence in support of his request establishing his entitlement to the remaining awards.  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 AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2003-00083 in Executive Session on 22 July 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36‑2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 23 Dec 02, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPPR, dated 27 May 03, w/atchs.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 4 Jun 03.