RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2008-01680
		INDEX NUMBER: 100.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE
		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His discharge documents be corrected to reflect that he served as a master sergeant.

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THE APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

His discharge documents only state that he was a sergeant and he wants it put on record that he was a master sergeant at one time.  

In support of his appeal, the applicant submitted a copy of the Department of Veterans Affairs Form (VA) 21-4138, Statement in Support of Claim, documents extracted from his military records and character reference letters.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant’s military records were destroyed by fire in 1973 at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC).

Data extracted from documents provided by the applicant reflect he served on active duty from 2 Jul 40 through 6 Jul 45.  He was honorably discharged in the grade of sergeant.  His Enlisted Record and Report of Separation dated 6 Jul 45 reflects his highest grade held was MSgt.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPSOE recommends the requested relief be denied.  DPSOE states the available records did not reveal any documentation regarding the applicant’s promotion to master sergeant or the circumstances of his demotion to sergeant.

AFPC/DPSOE’s complete evaluation is at Exhibit B.

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APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A complete copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 27 Jun 08 for review and response within 30 days.  As of this date, this office has received no response.

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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 injustice.  While not clearly stated, it appears the applicant is requesting that his records be corrected to show that he was separated in the grade of master sergeant since he served in that grade at one point during his career.  We note that the Enlisted Record and Report of Separation provided by the applicant does show that the highest grade held during his tenure was master sergeant.  However, based on the limited records available for our review, it appears that the applicant was reduced to the grade of sergeant prior to his discharge and the discharge documents provided correctly reflect that he was serving in that grade at the time of his discharge.  Therefore, it is our opinion that the applicant has failed to sustain his burden of proof of the existence of an error or injustice.  Accordingly, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application.

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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-2008-01680 in Executive Session on 8 Aug 08, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

			XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, Chair
			XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, Member
			XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, Member

The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2008-01680 was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 3 Apr 08, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPSOE, dated 22 May 08.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 27 Jun 08.

                                   XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
                                   Chair