RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-00242
		INDEX CODE:  107.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded any badges, medals, and campaign ribbons that he might have received while on active duty.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He spent over two years in the Philippine Islands in 1968 and 1969.  He made numerous trips to Vietnam as a flight mechanic on a C-118 aircraft.  He indicates that he received no recognition for his two years of service in Taiwan.

In support of his appeal, the applicant provided AF Form 626 - Request and Authorization For Temporary Duty - Military.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 23 March 1966 in the grade of airman basic for a period of four years.  He was honorably released on 20 January 1970.  On 12 January 1971 he reenlisted for a period of four years and was honorably discharged on 27 April 1974 in the grade of staff sergeant.  He served 7 years, 1 month, and 14 days of total active service.

According to HQ AFPC/DPPPRA, on 27 October 1997 the applicant was forwarded the following awards:  The Air Force Good Conduct Medal, with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster (AFGCM w/1OLC), National Defense Service Medal (NDSM), and the Air Force Longevity Service Award (AFLSA).  They advised him that there is no indication in his records that he was TDY to Vietnam while he was stationed in Taiwan or in the Philippines.  The TDY order he provided was insufficient to verify his eligibility for the Vietnam Service Medal because he did not provide the travel voucher showing he accomplished the trip, and he must have been in Vietnam for 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive days for this award.  His case was held for 30 days pending additional documentation pertaining to any additional awards.  On 6 May 2003, they notified the applicant and indicated that since he did not respond to their 27 February 2003 letter, they presume that he agreed that all of the awards and decorations to which he is entitled are correctly listed on his DD Form 214.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSFM recommended denial.  They indicated that after a thorough review of the applicant’s record, they have determined the applicant previously held the Jet Mechanic Specialist Specialty Code from 23 March 1966 to 20 January 1970 and from 12 January 1971 to 31 December 1972.  Applicant was in the inactive reserves during the period between 20 January 1970 and 12 January 1971.  The Aircraft and Munitions Maintenance Badge came into existence on 8 August 1986 (the effective date of Air Force Regulation (AFR) 900-66 which governed award of the badge for applicant’s specialty code).  Since the badge was created after the applicant’s active duty time in the maintenance career field, he is not entitled for award of this badge.  In addition he held the Social Actions Technician Specialty Code from 1 January 1973 to 27 April 1974.  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, the applicant’s DD Form 214 is accurate.

The evaluation, with attachments, is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 27 June 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.  The applicant contends that he spent over two years in the Philippine Islands in 1968 and 1969 and that he made numerous trips to Vietnam as a flight mechanic on a C-118 aircraft.  Further, he indicates that he received no recognition for his two years of service in Taiwan.  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.  The applicant’s DD Forms 214 reflects the awards he earned during each period of service (Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, and the Air Force Longevity Service Award).  Although the applicant contends he was TDY to Vietnam, he has not provided sufficient documentation to support his assertion.  With respect to any badges to which he may be entitled, it appears there were no Air Force occupational badges authorized for his specialties while he was on active duty.  Therefore, he is not entitled to any additional badges, medals, and campaign ribbons.  In view of the above and in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought.

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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.

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The following members of the Board considered this application in Executive Session on 21 August 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2003-00242 was considered:

   Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 18 January 2003, w/atch.
   Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
   Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPSFM, dated 19 June 2003, w/atchs.
   Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 27 June 2003.