RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-01608
				INDEX CODE:  107.00

				COUNSEL:  None

				HEARING DESIRED:  No

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to reflect:

		a.  Award of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM).

		b.  His middle name as “--” versus “--.”

Examiner’s Note:  A DD Form 215 was issued on 23 November 2004, administratively correcting the applicant’s middle name, therefore, the only remaining issue to be considered by the Board is award of the AFEM.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was stationed in Korat, Thailand with the 33d Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW) from February 1973 through February 1974.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force (RegAF) as a sergeant on 18 August 1971.  He was honorably released on 11 September 1974 and transferred to the Reserve of the Air Force after serving 3 years, and 14 days of active service.  He was honorably discharged on 27 September 1974 to enlist in the Iowa Air National Guard.

His DD Form 214 reflects he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal (NDSM), Vietnam Service Medal (VSM), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (RVCM) and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal (AFCGM).

On 15 July 2004, a DD Form 215 was issued awarding the applicant the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) with one Bronze Service Star, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (AFOUA) with Valor and the Presidential Unit Citation (PUC).

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPPPR states the AFEM was awarded to those servicemembers who served in direct support of the Cambodian operations during the period from 29 March 1973 through 15 August 1973.  “Direct support” is defined as services being supplied to the combat forces in the area of operations by ground units, ships, and aircraft providing fire, patrol, guard, reconnaissance, or other military support.  On 30 June 2004, AFPC/DPPPRA informed the applicant that he was not eligible for the AFEM because he did not serve in direct support of the Cambodian operation.  The applicant provided additional documentation in response to the 30 June 2004 letter; however, the documentation did not specify he served in direct support of the Cambodian operation.  Therefore, they recommend his request for award of the AFEM be denied.

A complete copy of the Air Force evaluation is attached at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 3 December 2004, for review and response.  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 of 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 and adopt its rationale as the basis for our decision that the applicant has failed to sustain his burden that he has suffered either an error or an injustice.  It is noted the applicant’s records were administratively corrected to correct his middle name and to award him the VSM with one Bronze Service Star, the AFOUA with Valor and the PUC.  However, during the time period in question the AFEM was awarded to servicemembers who served in direct support of Cambodian operation from 29 March 1973 through 15 August 1973.  The applicant was informed by the office of primary responsibility that after reviewing his records, they determined he was not eligible for the AFEM because he did not serve in direct support of Cambodian operations.  The applicant has not provided persuasive evidence to support his request for award of the AFEM.  However, should the applicant provide documentation substantiating he served in direct support of Cambodian operations, this Board would be willing to review the materials for possible reconsideration.  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 AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2004-01608 in Executive Session on 25 January 2005, under the provisions of AFI 36‑2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 12 May & 31 Aug 04, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPPR, dated 17 Nov 04.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 3 Dec 04.