RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2007-03780
		INDEX CODE:  107.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE
				
		HEARING DESIRED:  YES

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to show he was awarded the Korean Defense Service Medal (KDSM), the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM), the Humanitarian Service Medal (HSM), and the Air Force Commendation Medal, with Valor Combat device (AFCM w/V) for services he performed in Thailand and Korea.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He served in the following locations and positions:

1.  10 Oct 87 – 10 Oct 88:  Osan AB Korea, Fabrication Superintendent
2.  1 Aug 72 – 30 Aug 73:  Korat RTAFB, Thailand, Parachute Rigger
3.  14 Feb 75 – 12 Jan 76, Udorn RTAFB, Thailand, Parachute Rigger/Survival Equipment
4.  13 Jan 70 – Ubon RTAFB, Thailand:  Assisted in repelling an attack and exchanged gunfire with the enemy.

In support of his application, the applicant submits his personal statement, his enlisted evaluation reports, special order and citation, DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD Form 215, Correction to DD Form 214, and photographs.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 31 Oct 89, the applicant was honorably discharged and retired from active duty in the grade of senior master sergeant.  He was credited with 21 years, 2 months and 12 days of active duty service to include 5 years and 10 months of overseas service.

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application, extracted from the applicant’s military records, are contained in the letter prepared by the appropriate office of the Air Force at Exhibit C. 
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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial.  DPSIDR states the applicant received the AFCM for meritorious service on 29 Jun 70 while serving in Thailand; however, they were unable to verify recommendation for the Valor device for this award.

In Feb 92, the applicant was informed of his ineligibility to the HSM.  DPSIDR states they are still unable to verify his entitlement.

DPSIDR declares recipients of the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) are not entitled to the AFEM for the Vietnam Era as only one medal is authorized per campaign.  

The complete DPSIDR 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 18 Jan 08 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 regarding the applicant’s request for award of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM), the Humanitarian Service Medal (HSM), and the Air Force Commendation Medal, with Valor Combat device (AFCM w/V).  In regards to the Korean Defense Service Medal (KDSM), we note that the Air Force office of primary responsibility has verified the applicant’s entitlement and has administratively corrected his record to reflect this award.  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.

4.  The applicant's case is adequately documented and it has not been shown that a personal appearance with or without counsel will materially add to our understanding of the issue(s) involved.  Therefore, the request for a hearing is not favorably considered.

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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 18 Mar 08, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered for AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2007-03780:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 8 Nov 07, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Letter, HQ AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 3 Jan 08.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 18 Jan 08.