RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-01766
		INDEX CODE:  108.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  YES

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to reflect award of the Air Force Good Conduct Medal (AFGCM).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

The AFGCM should have been awarded in lieu of the Army Good Conduct Medal for his last period of eligibility.

In support of his appeal, the applicant provided an expanded statement, a document pertaining to awards and decorations, an excerpt from AFI 36-2803, and extracts from his military personnel records.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant enlisted in the United States Navy (USN) on 12 Oct 40.  He was honorably discharged on 31 Dec 46.

On 22 Apr 48, he enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve (USNR).  He was honorably discharged on 7 Jul 52.

On 8 Jul 52, the applicant enlisted in the Air Force Reserve.  He was on active duty from 14 Jul 52 until 5 Nov 53, and was honorably discharged on that date.

On 6 Nov 53, he enlisted in the Regular Air Force.  He was honorably discharged on 5 Nov 56 and on 6 Nov 56, he reenlisted in the Regular Air Force.  He was honorably discharged on 5 Nov 62 and on 6 Nov 62, he reenlisted in the Regular Air Force for a period of three years. 

Applicant was relieved from active duty on 31 May 64 and retired, effective 1 Jun 64, in the grade of senior master sergeant.  He was credited with 20 years, 1 month, and 26 days of active service.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR reviewed the applicant's request for award of the AFGCM and recommended denial, noting that the AFGCM was not established until Jun 63.  AFPC/DPPPR indicated that the applicant's last period of eligibility for the AFGCM would have been 14 Jul 61 to 13 Jul 64.  However, the applicant retired prior to that date.  Had he stayed on active duty past 13 Jul 64, he would have been eligible for award of the AFGCM.

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

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Applicant reviewed the advisory opinion and furnished a response indicating that the advisory opinion did not include a review of the substantiating evidence provided for correction of his military records.  Also, the comments regarding his Naval service were not completely true, nor were they completely true regarding his award of the Navy and Air Force Good Conduct Medals.

Applicant's complete response, with attachments, is at Exhibit E.

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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.  The applicant's complete submission was thoroughly reviewed and his contentions were duly noted.  However, we do not find the applicant’s assertions and the documentation submitted in support of his appeal sufficiently persuasive to override the rationale provided by the Air Force office of primary responsibility (OPR).  No evidence has been presented which has shown to our satisfaction that the applicant met the established criteria for award of the AFGCM for his last period of eligibility.  In view of the foregoing, and in the absence of sufficient evidence to the contrary, we agree with the recommendation of the OPR and adopt their rationale as the basis for our decision that the applicant has failed to sustain his burden of establishing that he has suffered either an error or an injustice.  Accordingly, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application.

4.  The applicant's case is adequately documented and it has not been shown that a personal appearance with or without counsel will materially add to our understanding of the issues involved.  Therefore, the request for a hearing is not favorably considered.

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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-2003-01766 in Executive Session on 7 Oct 03, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 9 May 03, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 24 Jun 03, w/atchs.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 3 Jul 03.
    Exhibit E.  Letter, applicant, dated 28 Jul 03, w/atchs.

                                   Panel Chair