RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-01355
		INDEX CODE:  107.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to reflect award of the Combat Action Ribbon.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was a Crash Rescue Survival Expert (Airborne Ready).

In support of his appeal, the applicant provided a copy of his separation document.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 20 May 64 for a period of four years.  He was honorably released from active duty on 11 Apr 68.  He was credited with 3 years, 10 months, and 22 days of active service.  

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommended denial noting the Combat Action Ribbon is authorized by the Secretary of the Navy, and awarded to members of the Navy, the Marine Corps, and the Coast Guard operating under the control of the Navy, in the pay grade of 0-6 or below, who had actively participated in ground or surface combat.  According to AFPC/DPPPR, the applicant is not eligible for this award since he served in the Air Force and does not meet the criteria for the award.

A complete copy of the AFPC/DPPPR evaluation 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 applicant on 4 Jun 04 for review and response.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office (Exhibit D).

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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 (OPR) and adopt their rationale as the basis for our decision the applicant has failed to sustain his burden that he has suffered either an error or an injustice.  No evidence has been presented which would lead us to believe the applicant met the established criteria for award of the Combat Action Ribbon.  In view of the above, and in the absence of sufficient 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 this application in Executive Session on 4 Aug 04, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2004-01355 was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 20 Apr 04, w/atch.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 27 May 04, w/atch.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 4 Jun 04.