RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-02104
		INDEX CODE:  107.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED: NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to show that he was awarded a medal from the Korean Government (Sigmon Re Ribbon) for the period 1954 to 1958.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

The medal was awarded to his unit at the time but was omitted from his records when he was discharged.

In support of his appeal, applicant submitted a copy of his DD Forms 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge, dated 26 Jul 57, 26 Jul 63, and 29 Apr 66.

Applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 27 Jul 53, applicant contracted his initial enlistment in the Regular Air Force and had continuous active duty service until his discharge on 29 Apr 66.  He was progressively promoted to the grade of staff sergeant (SSgt/E-5), with a date of rank and effective date of 1 Dec 56.

His DD Forms 214, dated 26 Jul 57 and 26 Jul 63, reflect he served a total of 3 year, 11 months, and 13 days of Foreign Service.  

Applicant’s records reflect award of the Air Force Longevity Service Medal with two devices, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two devices, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with three devices, Korean Service Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (SAEMR), United Nations Service Medal and the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award.  

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPPPR reviewed this application and recommended denial.  Applicant served an overseas tour in Japan during the period 27 Jul 53 to 26 Jul 57 with the XXXth Field Maintenance Squadron (FMS).  

They noted the XXXth did not earn any unit awards until 1967.  DPPPR states that they believe the applicant is referring to the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation awarded by (then) President XXXXXXXX to units that participated in operations in Korea during the Korean Conflict.  

Applicant was advised that the XXXth FMS did not earn any unit awards while he was assigned to the unit.  He did not provide any documentation to substantiate his claim for award of the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, or any other foreign award, for his 27 Jul 53 to 26 Jul 57 period of enlistment.

A complete copy of the evaluation, with attachment, 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 19 Sep 03 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.  We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case.  The applicant was advised that his unit did not earn any awards while he was assigned to that unit.  No evidence has been submitted to substantiate his claim for award of the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, or any other foreign award during his enlistment.  We therefore agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  Hence, 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 AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2003-02104 in Executive Session on 19 November 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, HQ AFPC/DPPPR, dated 15 Sep 03, w/atch.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 19 Sep 03.