RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:				DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2007-01922
INDEX CODE:  107.00 
								COUNSEL: NONE

								HEARING DESIRED: NO

MANDATORY CASE COMPLETION DATE:  22 December 2008

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: 

His DD form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge, be corrected to reflect award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was awarded the DFC while assigned in the Republic of Vietnam from 1970 to 1971.  

In support of his application, the applicant provides a copy of his DD Form 214.  

The applicant’s submission, with attachment, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 15 February 1968, the applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force at the age of 19 for a period of four years in the rank of airman basic (E-1).  The applicant was progressively promoted to the rank of sergeant (E-4) with a date of rank of 1 June 1970.  

The applicant was honorably discharged on 1 February 1972 for convenience of the government.  He was credited with 3 years, 11 months, and 18 days of active duty service, of which 2 years, 11 months and 27 days was foreign service.  His DD Form 214 identified his decorations as the National Defense Service Medal and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommends denial of the applicant’s request for award of the DFC.  DPPPR states the DFC is awarded to any member of the United States Armed Forces who has distinguished themselves in actual combat in support of operations by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.  After a thorough review of the applicant’s official military record, they were unable to locate an official recommendation or special order of an approved award of the DFC that would authenticate an update of the applicant’s Report of Separation.  

DPPPR was able to verify the applicant’s entitlement to the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf clusters (AM w/2OLC), the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM), the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVNGC w/P), and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (RVNCM).

The DPPPR evaluation is at Exhibit C.  

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force Evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 13 July 2007, for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit D).  As of this date, this office has received no response.

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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 a thorough review of the available records, we found no evidence that the applicant is eligible for the award of the DFC.  We note the applicant’s assertion that he was awarded the DFC; however, there is no indication in his records that he was recommended for, or awarded, the DFC.  Therefore, we agree with the opinion from the Air Force office of primary responsibility that the applicant is not a victim of error or injustice in regard to award of the DFC.  The personal sacrifice the applicant endured for his country is noted and the recommendation to deny the requested relief in no way diminishes the high regard we have for his service.  Nevertheless, in view of the above, we find no basis to favorably consider this application. 

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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 this application in Executive Session on 29 August 2007, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered for AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2007-01922:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 14 Jun 07, w/atch.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 28 Jun 07.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 13 Jul 07.