RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-01987
		INDEX CODES:  100.00, 107.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to reflect award of the Sharpshooter Medal, the Expert Medal, and French Fourragere.

His Blood Group be changed from “O” to “Rho Positive.”

The years he successfully completed high school be changed from two and one-half years to three years and eight months.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

His records should accurately reflect the medals he earned, his blood group, and the years of his successful completion of high school.

In support of his appeal, the applicant provided his separation documents, personal statements, photographs, and other documents associated with the matter under review.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant’s military personnel records were mostly destroyed by fire in 1973.  His available records indicate he enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 12 Apr 48.  He was honorably discharged on 11 Apr 52 under the provisions of AFR 39-10.  He was credited with fours years of active service.  

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommended denial of the applicant’s request for a French Fourragere for the Berlin Airlift.  They indicated that without the specific unit of assignment while overseas, and the inclusive dates he was overseas, they were unable to verify the applicant’s eligibility for any unit awards, especially a French or Belgian Fourragere.

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

AFPC/DPSFM indicated that although they are unable to verify the applicant’s eligibility for the Sharpshooter and Expert Medals, they do not believe the applicant should be denied the medals.  The photographs he provided are the only proof still in existence.  From their knowledge, he will not gain any veteran benefits from these medals and they believe his request is based on the sole purpose of leaving them as mementos for his family.

A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSFM evaluation is at Exhibit D.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Applicant reviewed the advisory opinion and furnished a response indicating the French Fourragere is not that important to him.  He has no feelings either way.  However, his American medals mean everything to him.  He agrees with AFPC/DPSFM’s recommendation to award him the Sharpshooter and Expert Medals.

Applicant’s complete response, with attachment, is at Exhibit F.

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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.  Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice warranting corrective action regarding the applicant’s request his records be corrected to reflect award of the Sharpshooter and Expert Medals.  Having carefully reviewed this application, we agree with AFPC/DPSFM’s recommendation that the applicant be awarded the decorations.  Accordingly, we recommend that the applicant’s records be corrected to reflect award of the Sharpshooter and Expert Medals.

4.  Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of probable error or injustice regarding the applicant’s remaining requests.

	a.  With regard to the applicant’s request for award of the French Fouragere, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the AFPC/DPPPR and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  Therefore, in the absence of sufficient evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the applicant’s request.

	b.  Concerning the applicant’s requests his blood group and his years of successful completion of high school be changed, no evidence has been presented which has shown to our satisfaction that they are in error.  Therefore, in the absence of sufficient evidence to the contrary, the applicant’s requests are not favorably considered.

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THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that he was awarded the Sharpshooter Medal and the Expert Medal.

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The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2003-01987 in Executive Session on 11 Feb 04, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

All members voted to correct the records, as recommended.  The following documentary evidence was considered:

     Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 9 Jun 03, w/atchs.
     Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
     Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 29 Aug 03.
     Exhibit D.  Letter, AFPC/DPSFM, dated 7 Nov 03.
     Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 21 Nov 03.
     Exhibit F.  Letter, applicant, dated 4 Dec 04, w/atch.

AFBCMR BC-2003-01987

MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF

	Having received and considered the recommendation of the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records and under the authority of Section 1552, Title 10, United States Code (70A Stat 116), it is directed that:

	The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to , be corrected to show that he was awarded the Sharpshooter Medal and the Expert Medal.