RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2008-01498 INDEX CODE:	107.00

COUNSEL:	NONE HEARING DESIRED:	NO

_
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
His DD Form 214, Report of Separation from the Armed Forces of the United States, be corrected to reflect award of the National Defense Service Medal (NDSM), Korean Defense Service Medal (KDSM), and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (SAEMR).

Examiner’s Note: On 21 May 08, AFPC indicated they will administratively correct applicant’s DD Form 214 to reflect award of the NDSM and the KDSM. Therefore, the only issue remaining to be resolved by the Board is applicant’s request for the SAEMR.

_
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
He was awarded the NDSM, SAEMR and the KDSM, but they are not listed on his DD Form 214.

In support of his request, applicant provided copies of his DD Forms 214, dated 10 Aug 56 and 20 Nov 59.

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

_
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
The applicant served on active duty in the Air Force from 23 Jul
54 – 20 Nov 59. His records reflect he served 4 years, 11 months, and 28 days of active military service, of which 11 months, and 8 days was foreign service. His service record indicates he served in Korea from 30 Jan 55 to 20 Jan 56.

_
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial. DPSIDR stated no documentation was found in his military record to verify award of the SAEMR and he did not provide any evidence to support his claim. Additionally, his records contain a DA AGO Form 20, Soldier’s Qualification Record that indicates he qualified for the carbine on 24 Sep 54, but not as an expert.

The SAEMR is awarded to all U.S. Service members who after
1 January 1963, qualify as “expert” in small marksmanship with either the M-16 rifle or issue handgun.

The complete AFPC/DPSIDR evaluation is at Exhibit B.

_
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
On 13 Jun 08, a copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant for review and comment within 30 days. To date, a response has not been received.

_
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. We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we 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. We note that AFPC/DPSIDR has verified the applicant’s entitlement to the NDSM and the KDSM and has updated his DD Form 214 to reflect award of these medals. However, other than his own assertions, the applicant has not provided any evidence substantiating that he met the required qualifications for award of the SAEMR. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application.

_
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.

_
The following members of the Board considered Docket Number BC-2008-01498 in Executive Session on 17 Jul 08, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

Panel Chair 
Member
Member
The following documentary evidence pertaining to Docket Number BC-2008-01498 was considered:

Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 16 Apr 08, w/atchs. Exhibit B.	Letter, AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 21 May 08. Exhibit C.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 13 Jun 08.