RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2012-03501 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: 1. He be awarded the Korean Defense Service Medal (KDSM) for his service in Korea. 2. He be issued the Cold War Certificate. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He went on a temporary duty (TDY) assignment to Korea where he pulled strip alert for 30 or more days in Dec 61 and over 30 days in Aug 62. He served in the Air Force from 1960 to 1982 and qualifies for the Cold War Certificate. The applicant's complete submission is at Exhibit A. _________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: On 3 Feb 60, the applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force. He served 22 years, 7 months, and 28 days of total active duty service. AFPC/DPSID was able to determine the applicant’s entitlement to the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVNGC w/P) for his service from 3 Feb 60 to 30 Sep 82. The applicant’s records will be administratively corrected to reflect this award. _________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSID recommends denial. DPSIDR states the applicant’s official military records were thoroughly reviewed; however, they were unable to locate documentation to verify he served in any capacity in the Republic of Korea during his service career. Therefore, he is not eligible for award of the KDSM. The KDSM is awarded for recognition of service in the Republic of Korea and the surrounding waters after 28 Jul 54 and ending on such a future date as determined by the Secretary of Defense. Individuals must have been assigned, attached, or mobilized to units operating or serving on all the land areas of the Republic of Korea, and the contiguous waters out to 12 nautical miles, and all airspace above the stated land and water areas. To be eligible for the KDSM, personnel must have been physically present in the stated areas for 30 consecutive or 60 non- consecutive days. The Cold War Certificate recognizes members of the Armed Forces and civilian personnel of the United States Government who served the United States during the Cold War. The executive agent for the Department of Defense (DoD) is the Department of the Army. DPSID states the applicant should contact the Department of the Army to obtain a Cold War Certificate for his service during the specified time period at the website or address provided. The complete DPSID evaluation, with attachment, is at Exhibit C. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: The applicant reiterates his original contention that he went TDY to Korea on two separate occasions. The applicant’s complete response is at Exhibit E. _________________________________________________________________ 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. After thoroughly reviewing the evidence of record and noting the applicant’s contentions, 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 that relief beyond that already granted administratively is not warranted. In view of the above and in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no 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-2012-03501 in Executive Session on 18 Apr 13, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: Panel Chair Member Member The following documentary evidence was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 2 Aug 12. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSID, dated 24 Sep 12, w/atch. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 16 Oct 12. Exhibit E. Letter, Applicant, dated 30 Oct 12.