RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2005-00278
		INDEX CODE:  110.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE
		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

MANDATORY CASE COMPLETION DATE:  25 MAY 2006

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be updated to reflect the award of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM).

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THE APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was awarded the AFEM for service during the 1961 Berlin Crisis.  His records were updated and he has received the medal.  A copy was sent to NPRC to update their records; however, their records were never updated.   

In support of his appeal, applicant submits copies of his special orders and a copy of his certificate of appreciation.  Applicant’s submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the New York Air National Guard in the grade of airman basic (E-1) on 8 November 1959.  Records reflect an overseas tour in France, for the period 1 November 1961 - 22 July 1962.  On 7 November 1962, the applicant was honorably discharged from the New York Air National Guard for Expiration Term of Service.  He was credited with 3 years of service.  His NGB 22, Report of Separation and Record of Service, indicates no decorations, medals, citations were given during his period of service.  

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommends the application be denied. DPPPR states they were unable to verify the applicant’s eligibility for the AFEM, without the necessary documentation such as TDY orders indicating he served in Berlin, Germany during the period of 14 August 1961 - 1 June 1963.  The applicant has been asked several times to provide additional documentation to substantiate his claim.  DPPPR states there is no evidence in the applicant’s official military record to verify he was in support of military operations during his tour in France.  The AFPC/DPPPR evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Applicant states he is in the process of requesting additional information from the NYANG.  He states the AFEM was awarded to his unit for their direct support in the Berlin Crisis. Other members of his unit that continued their military service received the medal and their records reflect this award.  Applicant’s letter is at Exhibit E.

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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 injustice.  The applicant asserts that other members of his unit who continued their military service received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) for their support in the Berlin Crisis.  The Board notes that the applicant has been asked several times to provide additional documentation to substantiate his claim. However, he has not responded.  After reviewing the evidence of record, we are not persuaded that he received this award.  Absent such evidence, we agree with the recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt their rationale as the basis for our decision that the applicant has failed to sustain his burden that he has suffered an error or an injustice.  Therefore, we find no basis to recommend granting him the AFEM.  

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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of probable 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 AFBCMR Docket Number 05-00278 in Executive Session on 7 April 2005, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

						 , Panel Chair
						 , Member
						 , Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 17 Jan 05 w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 7 Feb 05.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 18 Feb 05.
    Exhibit E.  Letter, Applicant, dated 22 Feb 05.

 
                                   Panel Chair