RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2007-01487
		INDEX CODE:  107.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to reflect award of the Combat Readiness Medal (CRM), and his service in the Air Force Reserve be reflected on a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He believes he is eligible for the CRM based on his service as a combat crew member with various organizations.

His Air Force Reserve service from 1 Dec 73 to 1 Dec 77 is not reflected on a DD Form 214.

In support of his appeal, the applicant provided extracts from his military personnel records.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant’s military personnel records indicate he enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 19 Jul 66 for a period of four (4) years in the grade of airman basic.  He was credited with 3 years, 11 months, and 26 days of active service.  He was released from active duty on 14 Jul 70 and transferred to the Air Force Reserve.  He was honorably discharged from the Air Force Reserve on 18 Jul 72.

On 3 Dec 73, the applicant enlisted in the Air Force Reserve for a period of four (4) years in the grade of staff sergeant.  He was relieved from his Reserve assignment and honorably discharged from the Air Force Reserve on 2 Dec 77 under the provisions of AFR 35‑41.

By letter, dated 6 Jul 07, the System Support Branch (AFPC/DPPRY) notified the applicant that his records had been corrected administratively to reflect award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), the Air Medal (AM) with four (4) Oak Leaf Clusters (4OLC), Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor, Presidential Unit Citation, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (Exhibit C).

By letter, dated 17 Jul 07, the Service Verification Branch (ARPC/DPSD1) notified the applicant that his Reserve service was reflected in his enlistment contract and discharge certificate.  However, a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, could only be issued for specific periods of active service (Exhibit D).

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommends denial indicating the CRM is awarded for periods of qualifying service in combat or mission ready status for direct weapons system employment.  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.  According to AFPC/DPPPR, they were unable to verify the applicant’s entitlement to the CRM.

A complete copy of the AFPC/DPPPR evaluation is at Exhibit E.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to applicant on 27 Jul 07 for review and response within 30 days.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office (Exhibit F).

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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 error or injustice regarding the applicant’s request for the CRM.  A review of the available evidence reveals the applicant served a tour in Southeast Asia (SEA) as an aircraft loadmaster.  Based on the DFC and five Air Medals he was awarded during his tour, we believe it is reasonable to conclude the applicant was in a combat ready position.  We cannot determine by the evidence before us whether he met the established criteria for award of the CRM.  However, in view of the above, we are inclined to resolve any doubt about his entitlement to the CRM in his favor.  Accordingly, we recommend the applicant’s records be corrected as set forth below.

4.  The applicant’s request that his Air Force Reserve service be reflected on a DD Form 214 was noted.  The applicant has been advised by the office of primary responsibility (OPR) that his Reserve service is reflected in his records; however, a DD Form 214 is issued only for specific periods of active service.  In view of the foregoing, we find no basis upon which to recommend favorable action on the applicant’s request.

5.  The available evidence of record reveals the applicant’s records have been corrected administratively to reflect award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), the Air Medal (AM) with four (4) Oak Leaf Clusters (4OLC), Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor, Presidential Unit Citation, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.  Therefore, it appears no further action by this Board regarding this portion of his appeal is necessary.

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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 his DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge, issued in conjunction with his release from active duty on 14 July 1970, be amended to include award of the Combat Readiness Medal (CRM).

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The following members of the Board considered this application in Executive Session on 6 Nov 07, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

All members voted to correct the records, as recommended.  The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2007-01487 was considered:

     Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 5 May 07, w/atchs.
     Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
     Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPRY, dated 6 Jul 07, w/atchs.
     Exhibit D.  Letter, ARPC/DPSD1, dated 17 Jul 07, w/atch.
     Exhibit E.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 25 Jun 07.
     Exhibit F.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 27 Jul 07.