RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-03871
		INDEX NUMBER:  107.00

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX	COUNSEL:  NONE

XXX-XX-XXXX	HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to reflect he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM).

Note:  AFPC/DPPPR verified applicant’s entitlement to the NDSM and have administratively corrected his record.  Therefore, the only issue to be resolved by the Board is his entitlement to the AFEM. 

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He meets the criteria in accordance with military regulations for award of the NDSM and the AFEM.  

He was assigned to a unit that was authorized the NDSM.

In support of his request, applicant provided a copy of his DD Form 214, and a personal statement.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The available records reflect applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 19 Jan 59, for a period of four years in the grade of airman basic.  He was progressively promoted to the grade of airman first class (E-4), with an effective date and date of rank of 1 Jun 61.  On 30 Jan 64, he was honorably discharged from the Air Force in the grade of E-4, and permanently retired by reason of physical disability.  He served 5 years and 12 months of active military service, which included 1 year, 2 months, and 23 days of foreign service.

His DD Form 214 reflects he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal (GCM), Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (SAEMR), and the Air Force Longevity Service Award (AFLSA).

His DD Form 214 was administratively corrected on 11 Jan 05 to include the National Defense Service Medal.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

DPPPR recommends denial of applicant’s request for the AFEM.  The AFEM is awarded to United States Armed Forces members who, after 1 Jul 58, have participated in United States military operations and encountered foreign opposition, or were in danger of hostile action by foreign Armed Forces.  The applicant’s documentation does not substantiate his claim for award of the AFEM based on no participation in Vietnam operations.  There is no proof that he participated as a member of any U.S. military operations (Vietnam) that were awarded the AFEM.

In response to applicant’s request for a replacement set of the awards/decorations listed on his DD Form 214, DPPR forwarded a one-time issuance of the GCM, AFLSA, and the SAEMR to him.

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

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 21 January 2005, a copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant for review and comment within 30 days.  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.  After thoroughly reviewing the evidence of record, we are unpersuaded the requested relief should be granted.  Applicant’s contentions are duly noted; however, we do not find these assertions, in and by themselves, sufficiently persuasive to override the rationale provided by the Air Force.  The applicant has not provided documentation to substantiate his claim that he was physically in Vietnam.  Absent evidence substantiating the applicant was physically in Vietnam, we find that there is no basis upon which to favorably consider his request.
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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‑2004-03871 in Executive Session on 22 February 2005, under the provisions of AFI 36‑2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 7 Dec 04, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant’s Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 30 Dec 04.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 21 Jan 05.