RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-02103
		INDEX CODE:  107.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE

			HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Purple Heart (PH) Medal and the Combat Readiness Medal.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

The applicant makes no contentions and did not provide any reason to support his request.

In support of his request, the applicant submits a copy of his DD Form 214, Honorable Discharge Certificate.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant’s military personnel records reflect that the applicant served on active duty from 7 November 1966 through 10 August 1970.  He served in Vietnam from 3 August 1969 to 1 August 1970.  His DD Form 214 reflects award of the National Defense Service Medal with (1BSS), Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

The applicant’s DD Form 214 has been corrected to reflect the award of the Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze service stars, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with V device and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommended the applicant's request be denied.  The applicant was assigned to the ---th Services Squadron at Da Nang in Vietnam as a cook.  Since his unit was not in a ready status for direct weapons system employment, he is not eligible for award of the Combat Readiness Medal.  He did not provide any information or documentation to substantiate his claim for award of the Purple Heart Medal.  His Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) records contain a letter to the DVA, stating that he was in a building that may have been hit by rocket fire, but he was not injured.  His military medical records only show the usual illnesses/complaints for military members in Vietnam.

The DPPPR evaluation, with attachments, is attached 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 19 September 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 applicant’s submission and the available evidence of record, we are not persuaded that he should be awarded the Purple Heart Medal or the Combat Readiness Medal.  His records show that he was not assigned to any unit that qualified him for award of the Combat Readiness Medal.  In regard to the PH, should the applicant secure documentation in support of his assertion in the form of statements of possible witnesses to the events under review; or, evidence from his medical records or from the Veterans Administration indicating the presence of wounds or scars, which could have been the result of injuries he indicates he suffered, the Board would reconsider his request for the PH.  While we are not unmindful or unappreciative of the applicant’s service to the nation, in the absence of evidence to support that he was wounded as a result of enemy action, or that he could secure documentation to support his claim for the award of the Combat Readiness Medal, we agree with the opinion of the Air Force and find no compelling basis to warrant favorable consideration of 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-2003-02103 in Executive Session on 29 October 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 13 Jun 03, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 15 Sep 03, w/atchs.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 19 Sep 03.