RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2007-02470
		INDEX CODE:  107.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE
				
		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

MANDATORY COMPLETION DATE:  6 JUNE 2008

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to show he was awarded the Kosovo Campaign Medal (KCM).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was a member of the 9th Fighter Squadron which deployed in direct support of Operation NOBLE ANVIL (ONA) to Germany.  The 8th Fighter Squadron (sister squadron) received this medal when they deployed to Aviano, Italy.  Both F117A aircraft squadrons deployed in direct support of Operation NOBLE ANVIL and both should have received the award.

In support of his request, the applicant submits his travel voucher, TDY orders and travel voucher and summaries. 

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

According to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC), the applicant's records are incomplete.  The following information was extracted from the remaining documents.

On 17 Oct 1999, the applicant was honorably discharged from the Regular Air Force in the grade of senior airman and transferred into the Air Force Reserves.  Applicant was credited with four years of active duty service.  

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPPPR recommends denial.  DPPPR states the KCM was established to recognize the accomplishments of military service members participating or in direct support of Kosovo operations within established areas of eligibility.  Service members are authorized the KCM in direct support of the operation for 30 consecutive days in the area of eligibility (AOE) or for 60 nonconsecutive days provided they meet the operation criteria:

a)  Kosovo Air Campaign (24 Mar 99 – 10 Jun 99)
AOE:  The total land area and air space of Serbia (including Kosovo)…; and the waters and air space of the Adriatic and Ionian Sea north of the 39th North latitude.  

b)  Kosovo Defense Campaign (11 Jun 99 – Date to be Determined)
AOE:  The total land and air space of Serbia (including Kosovo), …; and the waters and air space of the Adriatic Seas within 12 nautical miles of the Montenegro, Albania, and Croatia coastlines south of 42 degrees and 52 minutes north latitude.

The applicant was deployed to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, in support of ONA, which is not an AOE for award of KCM; therefore, he is ineligible for this award.

The complete 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 14 Sep 07 for review and comment within 30 days.  As of this date, this office has received no response (Exhibit D). 

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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 concerning the above requested award.  Other than his own assertions, the applicant has provided no documentary evidence that would establish his entitlement to the Kosovo Campaign Medal.  We, therefore, agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt its 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 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 BC-2007-02470 in Executive Session on 1 November 2007, under the provisions of AFI 36‑2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

     Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 26 Jul 07, w/atchs.
     Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
     Exhibit C.  Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPPR, dated 29 Aug 07.
     Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 14 Sep 07.