RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-00675
		INDEX CODE:  107.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He is entitled to the AFEM for his participation in the Cuban Missile Crisis for the period 18 through 29 October 1962.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 25 May 1955, the applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force in the grade of airman basic for a period of four years.  He continued to reenlist contracting his last enlistment on 14 November 1962.

On 17 March 1965, the applicant was discharged in the grade of airman third class with service characterized as general (under honorable conditions) under the provisions of AFR 39-17 (Unfitness).  He served nine years, ten months and three days of total active duty service.

According to the applicant’s DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge, he received the following decorations and awards:  Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, with one Oak Leaf Cluster.

On 23 March 2004, AFPC/DPPPRA advised the applicant they researched his military personnel records and were unable to find any documents showing his entitlement to the AFEM.  They requested travel vouchers or temporary duty (TDY) orders and indicated his case would be held for 30 days pending his response.

On 7 April 2004, AFPC/DPPPRA advised the applicant the AFEM may be awarded to any members of the Armed Forces who participate in a U.S. military operation for 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive days.  The applicant’s DD Form 149 stated he was in support of the Cuban Missile Crisis from 18 through 29 October 1962, a total of 10 days.  They indicated he was not entitled to the AFEM and was asked to withdraw his request.  Further, they indicated he was entitled to the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, and Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.

On 16 June 2004, AFPC/DPPRSP issued a DD Form 215 (Correction to DD Form 214) reflecting award of the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal, and Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommended denial.  They indicated the AFEM is awarded for participation in designated operations in specified areas for a total of 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days.  Therefore, a copy of the TDY order and travel voucher is needed to verify eligibility.  The TDY order shows the operation for which an individual is deployed and the travel voucher verifies the inclusive days an individual was in the Area of Responsibility.

The evaluation, with attachments, is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 25 June 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.  The applicant contends he is entitled to the AFEM for his participation in the Cuban Missile Crisis for the period 18 through 29 October 1962.  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 the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  The Board notes the AFEM is awarded for participation in designated operations in specified areas for a total of 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days.  The applicant was provided the criteria for the award by the office of primary responsibility and advised what documentation was required to support his request.  The Board finds the applicant has not provided persuasive documentation showing he participated in a U.S. military operation for 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive days.  Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, 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 an 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-2004-00675 in Executive Session on 4 August 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

   Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 25 February 2004, w/atchs.
   Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
   Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 8 June 2004, w/atchs.
   Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 25 June 2004.