RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2003-03504
		INDEX NUMBER: 107.00

	XXXXXXX	COUNSEL:  NONE

	XXXXXXX	HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, with palm device, and the Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Professional Military Education (PME) Graduate ribbon.

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THE APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

Since he was assigned to a subordinate unit of the Headquarters, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, he is entitled to the Vietnam Gallantry Cross, with palm device.

Based on his completion of an Air Force Logistics Command (AFLC) accredited PME preparatory training course and a management course, he is also entitled to the NCO PME Graduate ribbon.

In support of the appeal, applicant submits his personal statements and a copy of his TDY orders.

Applicant’s complete submissions, with attachments, are at Exhibits A and C.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant served on active duty in the Regular Air Force from 19 January 1954 to 17 January 1964.  From 1 February 1963 to 29 July 1963, he performed 175 days of TDY to Bien Hoa, Vietnam.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommends the application be denied and states, in part, that the applicant is not entitled to the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, with palm device, since he was assigned TDY, rather than assigned to a unit in Southeast Asia.  In addition, he is not entitled to the NCO PME Graduate ribbon since he did not complete a credited NCO leadership school.

The AFPC/DPPPR evaluation is at Exhibit D.

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APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A complete copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 5 March 2004 for review and response within 30 days.  However, as of this date, this office has received no response.

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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; however, we 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.  Therefore, 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 Docket Number BC-2003-03504 in Executive Session on 14 April 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 16 Oct 03, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letters, Applicant, dated 12 Dec 03, 27 Jan &
		           31 Jan 04, w/atchs.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 2 Mar 04.
    Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 5 Mar 04.