RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-00272
		INDEX CODE:  107.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to show he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

The Bronze Star Medal that he was awarded is not reflected on his DD Form 214, Report of Separation from Active Duty.

In support of his request, the applicant submits a copy of      AF Form 642, Recommendation for Decoration, a copy of a Citation for a Bronze Star, and a copy of his DD Form 214, Report of Separation from Active Duty.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Air Force on 23 June 1954 and retired from active duty on 1 August 1974.  Applicant’s records show he served in Vietnam from 2 August 1968 through 30 July 1969.  He served 20 years, 1 month and 8 days of active military service.

His DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, reflects award of the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Air Force Good Conduct Medal with Second Oak Leaf Cluster.  

On 12 May 2003, his DD Form 214 was administratively corrected to reflect award of the Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with V device and 1 Oak Leaf Cluster and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The AFPC/DPPPR recommends denial of the applicant’s request for award of the Bronze Star Medal.  The applicant was informed that there was no indication in his records that the proposed recommendation he provided had been submitted into official channels (signed by the recommending official and endorsed by the next higher official in the chain of command).  He was asked to provide a copy of the order awarding him the Bronze Star Medal, but he has not responded.

The DPPPR evaluation, with attachments, is 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 23 May 03, for review and comment within 30 days.  As of this date, this office has received no response.

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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.  After a thorough review of the applicant’s submission and the available evidence of record, we are not persuaded that he should be awarded the Bronze Star Medal.  We took notice of his complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinions and recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  There was no evidence presented, other than his own assertions, which would lead us to believe that the proposed recommendation for decoration he provided had been submitted into official channels.  Therefore, we find no compelling basis to warrant favorable consideration of 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 an 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 no considered with this application.

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The following members of the Board considered Docket Number BC-2003-00272 in Executive Session on 17 July 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

			Panel Chair
			Member
			Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 21 Jan 03, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 7 May 03, w/atchs.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 23 May 03.

	
	Panel Chair