RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS


IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-02691

					COUNSEL:  NONE

					HEARING DESIRED:  NO 



APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to reflect that he received the 
following awards and ribbons:

1.  The Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) with one Bronze Service Star 
(BSS) (Administratively Corrected), Vietnam Campaign Medal (VCM) 
(Administratively Corrected), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry 
Cross with Palm (RVNGC w/P) (Administratively Corrected).

2.  The Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (AFOUA) 
(Administratively Corrected).

3.  The National Defense Service Medal (NDSM).

4.  The Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (SAEMR).


APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He just realized that none of the awards were listed on his last 
DD Form 214, Report of Separation from Active Duty.

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


STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 
15 Sep 70.

On 13 Oct 78, the applicant was furnished an under other than 
honorable conditions (UOTHC) discharge, and was credited with 
7 years, 10 months, and 26 days of active service.   

The applicant was previously awarded the NDSM and the VSM as 
annotated on his DD Form 214, dated 16 Sep 73; therefore, no 
update of these awards is required.

On 25 Sep 14, AFPC/DPSID directed the applicant’s DD Form 214, 
dated 16 Sep 73, be corrected to reflect the following:

      a.  Change “VSM” to read “Vietnam Service Medal with one 
Bronze Service Star (VSM w/1BSS).”
      
      b.  Add the AFOUA with Valor (AFOUA w/V), the RVNGC w/P, 
and the VCM.  Upon final board decision the record will be 
administratively corrected.

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are 
contained in the memorandum prepared by the Air Force office of 
primary responsibility (OPR), which is attached at Exhibit C.    


AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSID recommends denial of the applicant’s request for the 
SAEMR, indicating there is no evidence of an error or an 
injustice.  There is no documentation in the applicant’s record 
to verify that he qualified as expert with either the M-16 rifle 
or issue handgun; rendering him ineligible for the award.  To 
grant relief would be contrary to the criteria established by 
DoDM 1348.33, Secretary of the Air Force, Chief of Staff, and/or 
the War Department.

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 27 Oct 14 for review and comment within 30 days 
(Exhibit D).  As of this date, no response has been received by 
this office.


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 warranting 
correction of the applicant’s records to reflect award of the 
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (SAEMR) or National 
Defense Service Medal (NDSM).  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 with respect to the SAEMR.  As 
for his request for the NDSM, in view of the fact that the NDSM 
is already reflected in the applicant’s records, no action by 
this Board is required.  We note the Air Force OPR has 
determined the applicant’s eligibility for the Vietnam Service 
Medal with one Bronze Service Star, Republic of Vietnam 
Gallantry Cross with Palm, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Force 
Outstanding Unit Award with Valor, and will correct his records 
administratively.  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-2014-02691 in Executive Session on 22 Apr 15, under 
the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 26 Jun 14, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 25 Sep 14.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 27 Oct 14.