RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-03364
		INDEX CODE:  107.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Presidential Unit Citation (PUC).

Examiner’s Note:  AFPC/DPPPRA indicated the applicant’s records show he is entitled to the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (AFOUA) with “V” device and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.  Therefore, the only issue before the Board is the PUC.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

Due to clerical errors the PUC, AFOUA with “V” device and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm were omitted from his DD Form 214 (Report of Separation from Active Duty).

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 on 17 November 1966 in the grade of airman basic for a period of four years.  On 9 November 1970, he was honorably released from active duty under the provisions of AFM 39-10 (Convenience of the Government).  He served four years, two months, and one day of total active military service.

He reenlisted in the Regular Air Force on 3 November 1972 in the grade of sergeant for a period of four years and contracted his last enlistment on 2 March 1976 in the grade of staff sergeant for a period of four years.

On 19 March 1979, the applicant was honorably discharged in the grade of staff sergeant, under the provisions of AFR 39-10 (Involuntary Discharge for Exceeding Air Force Weight Standards).  He served ten years, four months, and ten days of total active military service.

The applicant’s DD Form 214 indicates he received the following decorations and medals:  Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (SAEMR), National Defense Service Medal (NDSM), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (RVCM), Air Force Longevity Service Award with Two Oak Leaf Clusters (AFLSA w/2OLCs), Vietnam Service Medal with Four Bronze Service Stars (VSM w/4BSS), and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters (AFGCM w/2OLCs)

On 14 November 2003, AFPC/DPPPRA notified the applicant indicating they verified his entitlement to the AFOUA with “V” device and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.  However, neither of his units (XXth Security Police Squadron in Thailand and the XXXth Security Police Squadron in Okinawa) was awarded the PUC while he was assigned to them.  Therefore, he is not eligible for the PUC.  They also asked that he withdraw that portion of his application.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommended denial.  They indicated there is no evidence the applicant was assigned to any unit which was awarded the PUC.  An individual is only entitled to share in a unit award of the unit to which he/she is assigned during the unit award period.  Therefore, since he was not assigned to any unit awarded the PUC, he is not eligible to share in the PUC awarded to other units.

The evaluation, with attachment, is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 30 January 2004, a copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant for review and response 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 an error or an injustice warranting award of the Presidential Unit Citation (PUC).  We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or an injustice.  According to the applicant’s military personnel records there is no indication that he was eligible for the PUC.  On 14 November 2003, AFPC/DPPPRA advised the applicant neither of his units (XXth Security Police Squadron in Thailand and the XXXth Security Police Squadron in Okinawa) was awarded the PUC while he was assigned to them.  Therefore, he is not eligible for the PUC.  They also asked that he withdraw that portion of his application.  He did not respond.  Further, we note AFPC/DPPPRA has indicated the applicant is entitled to the AFOUA with “V” device and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and these awards have been added to the applicant’s record.  Therefore, in view of the above, and in the absence of evidence that he was eligible for the PUC, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought.

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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of an 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-2003-03364 in Executive Session on 10 March 2004 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

   Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 1 October 2003, w/atchs.
   Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
   Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 22 January 2004, 
               w/atch.
   Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 30 January 2004.