RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-00645
		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 Army of Occupation Medal with Japan Clip.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He is entitled to the Army of Occupation of Japan Medal for serving in Jama Taichkaw, Japan and the National Defense Service medal for serving in the military from 12 August 1948 through   21 July 1952.

In support of his request, the applicant submits a copy of his DD Form 214, Report of Separation from Armed Forces of the United States.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The National Personnel Records Center has no information regarding military service performed by the applicant.  

The available documentation reflects that the applicant enlisted in the Air Force on 12 August 1948, and separated from active duty on 21 July 1952.  His records reflect that he served an overseas tour of one year, three months, and 25 days.  However, there is no indication of the location of his overseas tour.  He served three years, eleven month and 10 days of active military service.

His DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, reflects attendance at a Supply Technician service school at Jama Taichkaw, Japan from July through October 1949.  

The National Personnel Records Center has no information regarding military service performed by the applicant.  

On 27 May 2003, the applicant’s DD Form 214 was administratively corrected to reflect award of the National Defense Service medal.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The AFPC/DPPPR recommends denial.  The applicant did not provide any documentation showing the location of his overseas assignment or the inclusive dates.  From the information on his DD Form 214, he was TDY to Japan to attend a service school, but there is no verification that he was stationed in Japan.

Without the necessary documentation showing he was stationed in Japan, his eligibility for award of the Armed of Occupation Medal with Japan clasp cannot be verified.

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 3 June 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 the releif requested should be granted.  We took notice of the complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinions and recommendations of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the former member 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 he was entitled to this medal.  Should the applicant secure documentation showing the location and dates of his overseas assisgnment in Japan, the Board would reconsider his application.  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-2003-00645 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 13 Feb 03, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 20 May 03, w/atchs.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 3 Jun 03.

	
	Panel Chair