RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-00391
		INDEX CODE:  107.00

		COUNSEL:  Mary Newman

		HEARING DESIRED: NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

The Air Force Good Conduct Medal (AFGCM) and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) be added to his DD Form 214.
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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He served in Europe, as well as, the Republic of Vietnam (RVN), Africa, South America, the Middle East, and Guam.  Consequently he contends that the Foreign Service box (24c) on his DD 214 should show more time overseas than the three months and 18 days currently recorded there.

His appeal is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant was appointed a 2nd Lieutenant (2nd Lt) in the Air Force on 9 July 1957.  He served as a pilot for four years, seven months and seven days and was honorably discharged on 15 February 1962 as a 1st Lieutenant.  The applicant’s DD Form 214 shows the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and the Air Force Longevity Service Award.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPAPP2 reviewed this request and recommends the applicant’s request be denied.  DPAPP2 sent a letter to the applicant on 21 February 2003 asking for more information to substantiate his claim.  The applicant responded with a letter dated 18 March 2003 with a few statements but none of the concrete substantiation that DPAPP2 had asked him for.  In fact, the applicant states in his letter that “This is all the help I can provide you…”

DPAPP2’s complete evaluation is at Exhibit B.

AFPC/DPPPR reviewed this application and recommended disapproval of the applicant’s request.  The applicant provided no proof that he was ever enlisted and served the minimum three years required for enlisted personnel to receive the AFGCM.  Applicant did not provide any documentation that he was ever TDY to Vietnam or in Vietnam for 30 consecutive/60 nonconsecutive days that makes it impossible to verify his eligibility for the AFEM.  During the course of DPPPR’s investigation however, they did find that the applicant was eligible for award of the National Defense Service Medal (NDSM).  Applicant’s records have already been changed to reflect the award of the NDSM.

DPPPR’s complete evaluation, with attachment, is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 17 June 2003 for review and comment 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.  After a thorough review of the evidence of record and applicant's submission, we are not persuaded that his uncorroborated assertions, in and by themselves, are sufficiently persuasive to override the rationale provided by the Air Force.  The applicant was unable to provide the necessary evidence to verify his eligibility for award of the AFEM or that he served as an enlisted member with a record of exemplary service over three years while on active duty.  Therefore, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force offices of primary responsibility and adopt their rationale expressed as the basis for our decision that the applicant has failed to sustain his burden of having suffered either an error or injustice.  Consequently, in the absence of persuasive 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-2003-00391 in Executive Session on 5 August 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	Panel Chair
	Member
	Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 29 Jan 03.
    Exhibit B.  Letter, AFPC/DPAPP2, dated 27 Mar 03, w/atch.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 5 Jun 03, w/atch.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 17 Jun 03.

                                   
                                   Panel Chair