RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2007-01904
		INDEX CODE:  107.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

Applicant’s request is not clear; however, it appears he is requesting that his records be corrected to reflect award of the Parachutist Badge.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He attended jump school at Fort Benning, Georgia, in Mar 65 and at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, in Feb 67.

In support of his appeal, the applicant provided copies of his Airman Performance Report (APR) closing 22 Sep 68 and DD Form 638, Recommendation for Award.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 5 Jan 65 for a period of four (4) years in the grade of airman basic.  

He was released from active duty on 18 Oct 68 under the provisions of AFR 39-10 (Early Release Program Specifically Directed by HQ USAF) in the grade of sergeant and transferred to the Air Force Reserve.  He was credited with 3 years, 9 months, and 14 days of active service.  He was relieved from his Reserve assignment and honorably discharged from the Air Force Reserve on 4 Jan 71.

By letter, dated 22 Aug 07, the Recognition Programs Management Section (AFPC/DPPPR) notified the applicant that they had verified his Vietnam service from 19 Apr 68 to 22 Sep 68.  As a result, his records were being amended to reflect award of the Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVNGC w/P) (Exhibit C).

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSO recommends denial indicating the Parachutist Badge is awarded to eligible individuals that have satisfactorily completed the prescribed proficiency tests while attached to an airborne unit or attended an infantry school and have participated in at least one combat parachute jump.  The applicant’s records did not contain documentation reflecting his jump school attendance.

A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSO evaluation is at Exhibit D.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to applicant on 14 Sep 07 for review and response within 30 days.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office (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 error or injustice regarding the applicant’s request for the Parachutist Badge.  In this respect, we note the Parachutist Badge is awarded to eligible individuals that have satisfactorily completed the prescribed proficiency tests while attached to an airborne unit or attended an infantry school and have participated in at least one combat parachute jump.  After a thorough review of the available evidence we are not persuaded the applicant met the established criteria for award of the Parachutist Badge.  In view of the above, and in the absence of substantial evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the applicant’s request.

4.  We note that AFPC/DPPPR has verified the applicant’s Vietnam service and has corrected his records administratively to reflect the appropriate awards and decorations.  Therefore, it appears no further action by this Board is necessary.

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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 AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2007-01904 in Executive Session on 6 Nov 07, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 11 Jun 07, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 22 Aug 07, w/atchs.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, AFPC/DPSO, dated 13 Aug 07.
    Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 14 Sep 07.