RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-01558
		INDEX CODE:  107.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Training Ribbon and the Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

The Air Force Training Ribbon and the Air Force Overseas Ribbon Long Tour were authorized by the Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force on 12 October 1980 were retroactive without restrictions.

In support of the appeal, applicant submits information on the USAF Overseas Long Tour Recognition Inquiry.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 19 March 1958 for a period of 4 years.  On 15 March 1962, he was honorably released from active duty and transferred to the Air Force Reserve in the grade of airman second class (E-3) under the provisions of AFR 39-14 for the Convenience of the Government.  He had served 3 years, 11 months and 27 days on active duty.  His separation document reflects the Good Conduct Medal and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.  The National Defense Service Medal was added by DD Form 215 on 20 January 1976.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR states that the applicant separated from the Air Force before either of these awards was established and before the retroactive cutoff date; therefore, he is not eligible for these awards.  On 10 June 2003, they informed the applicant that he was not eligible for the award of the Air Force Training Ribbon and the Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon and was provided an extract of DOD 1348.33M.  Applicant was asked to withdraw his application, but he did not respond.  Therefore, they recommend disapproval of applicant’s request.

A complete copy of the evaluation, with attachments, is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 1 August 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 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 the conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  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 this application, BC-2003-01558, in Executive Session on 28 August 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 2 May 03, w/atch.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 23 Jul 03, w/atchs.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 1 Aug 03.

					Chair