RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-02951
		INDEX CODE:	107.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He has been awarded the DFC and the VSM and both medals should be listed on his DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report or Transfer or Discharge.

In support of his request, applicant submits a copy of his Distinguished Flying Cross citation and a copy of his DD Form 214.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force as an airman basic on 26 July 1966 for a period of 4 years.  He served an overseas tour in the Philippines from 6 Jan 1969 to 19 July 1970.  He was discharged with an honorable discharge on 27 July 1966.  He served 3 years, 11 months and 23 days of total active service.  His DD Form 214 reflects award of the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Medal with one oak leaf cluster, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.  He served 1 year, 2 months and 25 days Foreign Service.

On 10 December 2003, AFPC/DPPRSP corrected the applicant’s DD Form 214 to reflect award of Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross W/Palm.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommends denial.  There is no indication in the applicant’s records that he was recommended for, or awarded, the DFC.  His records contain the orders for award of the basic Air Medal and the Air Medal with one oak leaf cluster, but nothing regarding a DFC.  Without an order awarding him the DFC, we are unable to verify his eligibility for this decoration. 

The AFPC/DPPPR evaluation is attached at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Applicant responded to the advisory and provided a copy of the citation to accompany the award of the DFC.  He states that he is once again forwarding a copy of the citation for the DFC, which he received.

The applicant’s complete submission, 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.  After a thorough review of the available evidence and the applicant’s complete submission, the Board is not persuaded that he is entitled to the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.  While we note that the applicant provided a copy of a citation to accompany the award of the DFC, he has not provided an approved order awarding him the DFC.  We are not unmindful or unappreciative of his service to his Nation.  Should he secure a copy of an approved order to support his claim, we would be willing to reconsider his application.  Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, the Board finds 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 Docket Number BC-2003-02951 in Executive Session on 3 February 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 19 Aug 03.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 9 Dec 03.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 19 Dec 03.
	Exhibit E.	Statement, Applicant, dated 5 Jan 04, w/atchs.