RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-02572
		INDEX CODE:  107.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Air Medal (AM).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

Award of the Air Medal was never placed in his military personnel records.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Air Force on 6 May 1955 for a period of four years and continued to reenlist contracting his last enlistment on 6 May 1968.

On 31 May 1975, the applicant was relieved from active duty and on 1 June 1975 retired in the grade of staff sergeant under the provisions of AFM 35-7 (Retirement).  He served 20 years and 25 days of total active duty service.

The applicant’s DD Form 214 (Report of Separation from Active Duty) indicates he received the following decorations and citations:  The Air Force Longevity Service Award with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommended denial.  The applicant provided a copy of a transmittal letter by the Seventh Air Force awarding the AM; however, the transmittal letter is a standard letter given to all members receiving any and all medals during this time period.  The applicant believes he is entitled to the AM due to this standard transmittal letter.  Without a special order awarding him the AM, they are unable to verify his eligibility for this decoration.

The evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 10 September 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.	Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice.  The applicant contends award of the Air Medal was never placed in his military personnel records.  After reviewing the evidence of record and the applicant’s submission the Board is persuaded the applicant is entitled to the Air Medal.  The Board notes the applicant provided a copy of a transmittal letter by the Seventh Air Force awarding him the Air Medal.  The Board is of the opinion he was issued this letter from the Seventh Air Force because of his heroism and meritorious achievements while participating in combat in support of operations in Vietnam.  In view of the above, the Board believes any doubt should be resolved in the applicant’s favor.  Therefore, we recommend his records be corrected to the extent indicated below.

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THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that he was awarded the Air Medal for sustained activity during the period 6 May 1967 through 25 April 1968 while assigned to the 366th Field Maintenance Squadron, Da Nang Air Base, Vietnam.

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The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2004-02572 in Executive Session on 21 October 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

All members voted to correct the records, as recommended.  The following documentary evidence was considered:

   Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 11 August 2004, w/atchs.
   Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
   Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, undated.
   Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 10 September 2004.

AFBCMR BC-2004-02572

MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF

	Having received and considered the recommendation of the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records and under the authority of Section 1552, Title 10, United States Code (70A Stat 116), it is directed that:

	The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to  , be corrected to show that he was awarded the Air Medal for sustained activity during the period 6 May 1967 through 25 April 1968 while assigned to the 366th Field Maintenance Squadron, Da Nang Air Base, Vietnam.