RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2012-05039 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His records be corrected to reflect he was awarded the Southwest Asia Service Medal (SWASM) with three Bronze Service Stars (BSS), instead of the SWASM (basic award). ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He served at Riyadh AB, Saudi Arabia in 1988 as part of Operation ELF ONE; at King Khalid International Airport, Saudi Arabia from 1990 to 1991 as part of Operation DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM; and, at Al Kharj AB, Saudi Arabia from 1992 to 1993 as part of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. However, his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, does not reflect three BSSs for his SWASM. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. _________________ ______________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: On 31 Oct 94, the applicant was relieved from active duty and retired, effective 1 Nov 94. Block 13, Decorations, Medals, Badges, Citations and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized, of his DD Form 214 reflects that he was awarded the SWASM (basic award). On 3 Jan 13, AFPC/DPSIR directed that the applicant’s records be administratively corrected to reflect he was awarded the KDSM and the SWASM w/2BSS. The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are described in the letter prepared by the Air Force office of primary responsibility, which is attached at Exhibit C. ________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSID recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice. The SWASM is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who served in support of Operation DESERT SHIELD or DESERT STORM in a qualifying location from 2 Aug 90 through 30 Nov 95. The applicant served in Riyadh AB, Saudi Arabia in 1988. Unfortunately, the applicant’s service in Saudi Arabia in 1988 was prior to the initial inclusive date of 2 Aug 90 for award of the SWASM. However, the applicant also served in Saudi Arabia from 2 Jan 91 through 15 Mar 91, and for six months between 25 Jan 92 and 24 Jan 93. A thorough review of the applicant’s official military personnel records revealed that he qualified for award of two BSSs to his previously awarded SWASM. The applicant’s records will be administratively corrected to reflect award of the KDSM and SWASM w/2BSS. Recommend disapproval of the request for a third BSS for his SWASM. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit C. ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 11 Jan 13 for review and comment within 30 days. As of this date, no response has been received by this office (Exhibit D). ________________________________________________________________ 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 regarding the applicant’s request for his record to be corrected to reflect he was awarded the SWASM w/3BSS. 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 (OPR) and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error of injustice. The Board notes the applicant’s records will be administratively corrected to reflect award of the KDSM and SWASM w/2BSS. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting any relief beyond that rendered administratively. ________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT: The applicant be notified the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of material error or injustice; the application was denied without a personal appearance; and 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 AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2012-05039 in Executive Session on 30 Jul 13, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: Panel Chair Member Member The following documentary evidence was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 18 Oct 12, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSID, dated 3 Jan 13. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 11 Jan 13. Panel Chair