RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2007-02624
				INDEX CODE:  107.00
				COUNSEL:  NONE

				HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to reflect he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was awarded the AFCM for service performed in the Republic of Vietnam for the period 25 Feb 67 through 15 May 68.  The award is not on his DD Form 214.

In support of his application, he provided a copy of his DD Forms 214, Certificate of Release of Discharge from Active Duty, and citation for the AFCM.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 21 Jun 66, for a period of four years.  His records reflect he served in Vietnam from 28 Nov 66 through 3 Jul 68.  He was honorably discharged on 29 Oct 71.  He served five years, four months, and nine days on active duty.

On 15 Oct 07, AFPC/DPSIDR informed the applicant his entitlement to the Presidential Unit Citation, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and three Bronze Service Stars, and the Vietnam Service Medal had been verified and his records will be corrected administratively.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial of his request for award of the AFCM.  DPSIDR states without the required special order to validate his request, his entitlement to the award cannot be verified.

The AFPC/DPSIDR complete evaluation 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 26 Oct 07, for review and response within 30 days.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office.

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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 an error or an injustice.  We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinion and the recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has failed to sustain his burden of proof that he has been the victim of an error or an injustice with respect to his request for the AFCM.  However, should the applicant provide official documentation in the form of the special order, sealed citation, or signed certificate awarding him the AFCM, we would be willing to review the materials for possible reconsideration.  In the absence of such evidence, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the additional relief sought.

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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-2007-02624 in Executive Session on 6 Feb 08, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 16 Aug 07, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Military Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, HQ AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 15 Oct 07.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 26 Oct 07.