RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2007-02055
		INDEX CODE:  107.00
	COUNSEL:  NONE
				
		HEARING DESIRED:  NO
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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

	1)  Block 24c of his DD 214 be corrected to include his time served in South Korea during 1955-1956.  

	2)  His records be corrected to show he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) w/1 OLC, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM), the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM), the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross (RVGC), the RVGC Citation w/Palm (RVGCC w/P), the Air Force Longevity Service Award (AFLSA), the Army Good Conduct Medal (AGCM), the Air Force Good Conduct Medal (AFGCM), and the Korean Defense Service Medal (KDSM).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

His awards and decorations are not accurate.  His time served overseas is incorrect.  His records as written preclude him from receiving Veteran's Administration benefits.

In support of his application the applicant submits his personal statement, a copy of his DD 214, and a copy of his TDY orders to South Korea (1964-1965).

The applicant's complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 13 Dec 65, the applicant was honorably retired by reason of disability from active duty in the grade of staff sergeant.  He was credited with 14 years, 10 months and 14 days of active duty service.

The applicant's records have been administratively corrected to reflect the NDSM w/1 Bronze Service Star, the KDSM and the AFLSA W/2 OLCs.  

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPPPR recommends denial of the applicant's request for the AFGCM, GCM, and the Vietnam Era awards.  DPPPR states the applicant was awarded the GCM w/4 Bronze Loops for his time in service; however, they were unable to verify any additional GCM entitlements.

According to the applicant's AF Form 7, Military Service Record, his military service from 30 Jan 63 to 11 Aug 65 was not creditable for award of the AFGCM.

The AFEM and VSM are awarded for completion of 30 consecutive days in the area of operations or 60 nonconsecutive days, provided this support involves entering the area of operations.  The applicant's was TDY to Thailand from 2 May 65 to 29 May 65 (28 days) and, therefore, he is ineligible for award of the AFEM and VSM.

DPPPR was unable to verify his entitlements to the RVGC and RVGC w/Palm during his inclusive time period in Thailand.

The complete DPPPR evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

In his response dated 28 Aug 07, the applicant states he left Hurlburt Fld, FL, on 30 Dec 64 and landed at Travis AFB, CA for refueling.  He arrived at Hickam AFB, HI, after midnight and then departed for Clark AB, Philippines, in the early morning hours of 1 Jan 65.  He arrived at Clark AB on the afternoon of 1 Jan 65, departed on 2 Jan 65 and arrived at Udorn Air Base on 2 Jan 85 [sic].  He remained at Udorn Air Base, Thailand, until 29 May 65.

On 5 Sep 07, the applicant submitted an additional response with a notarized statement from a former military member who served with him during his assignment in Thailand.

The applicant's complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit E.
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ADDITIONAL AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

After a review of additional documentation provided by the applicant, DPPPR verified his entitlement to the VSM.  His records will be administratively corrected to reflect such.

The complete HQ AFPC/DPPPR evaluation is at Exhibit G.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF ADDITIONAL AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the additional Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 26 Oct 07 for review and comment within 30 days.  As of this date, this office has received no response (Exhibit H).

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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 award of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Palm, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, and the Good Conduct Medal with 5 Bronze Loops.  In regards to the other decorations requested, we note that the Air Force office of primary responsibility has verified the applicant’s entitlement and has administratively corrected his record to reflect them.  Therefore, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt its rationale as the basis for our determination that relief beyond that already granted administratively is not warranted.
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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 21 Dec 07, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered for AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2007-02055:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 18 Jun 07, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 7 Aug 07.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 17 Aug 07
	Exhibit E.  Letter, Applicant, dated 28 Aug 07, w/atchs.
	Exhibit F.  Letter, AFBCMR, dated 12 Sep 07.
	Exhibit G.  Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPPR, dated 18 Oct 07.
	Exhibit H.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 26 Oct 07.