RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2006-00490
	INDEX CODE:  107.00
	COUNSEL:  XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
	          XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

	HEARING DESIRED:  NO

MANDATORY COMPLETION DATE:  19 JUNE 2007

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Combat Recognition Award for his service in Vietnam.
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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

Though not recorded, he volunteered for security and evac duty.  When performing these duties, he returned fire -- protecting personnel, equipment, and the base while under fire.  His friend was blown up while trying to save a baby that was wired to a bomb.

In support of his application, the applicant submits a statement and pictures from a former service member assigned to his unit and an unsigned letter from a VA social worker.  The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant’s military records were either lost or destroyed.  The following information is extracted from information provided by the applicant.  He was honorably discharged in the grade of staff sergeant on 13 June 1974 and was credited with seven years, one month, and seven days of total active duty service.  He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPPPR recommends denial of the applicant’s request.  DPPPR states they were unable to verify his entitlement to the Combat Recognition Award (Combat Readiness Medal (CRM)).  DPPPR explains the CRM is awarded to military service members after 1 August 1960 for sustained individual combat or mission readiness or preparedness for direct weapon system employment.  Specifically a service member must meet the following criteria:  complete an aggregate 24 months of sustained professional performance as a member of the US Air Force combat or mission-ready units subject to combat readiness reporting.  Alternatively, be individually certified as combat or mission ready and have maintained individual readiness the entire period according to a major headquarters, or subject to an individual positional evaluation program according to a higher headquarters standard.  The term “Combat Ready” is defined as being professionally and technically qualified in an aircraft crew position in an aircraft that can be used in combat.  DPPPR affirms the applicant does not meet the requirements for the award of the CRM based on documents in his military personnel records.  

DPPPR’s evaluation is at Exhibit C.
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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

In his response dated 19 March 2006, the applicant states he was stunned by DPPPR’s recommendation.  He agreed that he does not have the required documentation to verify his entitlement to the CRM.  He served in Vietnam as a Jet Engine Technician.  Volunteers were asked for the Security Guard and the EVAC teams and these missions were not put in his record.  No one asked for credentials.  He was weapon trained and qualified before he left for Vietnam.  He was never asked if he had the qualifications to fire in the helos or on the ground in towers.  

When he volunteered a second time for the EVAC unit no one asked if he was qualified.  He does not know why this information was not put in his record.  He was young and took a lot for granted.  Even today, he feels he did not do enough to help his friend who was blown up.  In regard to the troops in Iraq today, how many troops are volunteering for some of the same things he volunteered for in Vietnam?  How many of the Air Force troops are qualified for some of the things they are doing just because they are asked to do it?  Some are the same age he was when he was in Vietnam and he can imagine that their activities are not being recorded either.

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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.  Other than his own assertions, the applicant has provided no documentary evidence that would establish his entitlement to the above-cited award.  Also, by his own admission, “he does not have the required documentation to verify his entitlement to the CRM.”  We are not unmindful or unappreciative of his service to his Nation.  However, in the absence of documentary evidence to corroborate his claim, we have no basis on which to favorably consider this application.  Therefore, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  

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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 in Executive Session on 20 June 2006, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered in connection with Docket Number BC-2006-00490:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 28 Jan 06, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant’s Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPPR, dated 28 Feb 2006.
Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 3 Mar 06. 
	Exhibit E.  Applicant’s Rebuttal, dated 19 Mar 06.