RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS


IN THE MATTER OF: 		DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-04507

				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 the award the Atomic 
Veterans Service Medal.


APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He participated in Operations BUSTER JANGLE and TUMBLER SNAPPER.  
These Operations were United States Atmospheric Nuclear Tests 
conducted at the Nevada Test Site during 1951 and 1952, 
respectively.   

In support of his request, the applicant provided a letter from 
the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, dated 9 Aug 00 which 
confirmed his participation in the tests and an extract from the 
National Association of Atomic Veterans, Inc which provides 
information on H.R. 4778, a proposed bill to authorize the award 
of a military service medal to members of the Armed Forces who 
were exposed to ionizing radiation as a result of the testing 
nuclear weapons.  

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


STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 5 Feb 
51.

On 15 Dec 53, the applicant was furnished an Honorable 
discharge, and was credited with 2 years, 10 months, and 11 days 
of active service.

The applicant’s DD Form 214 reflects the award of the following 
Air Force Medals and/or Ribbons:

	- National Defense Service Medal   

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 indicating there is no evidence of 
an error or an injustice as the Atomic Veterans Service Medal is 
not an official award or decoration of the United States Air 
Force and/or Department of Defense (DoD).  

The Atomic Veterans Service medal was introduced as H.R. 4778, 
the “Atomic Veterans Service Medal Act.”  The bill would 
authorize the DoD to award a military service medal to members 
of the Armed Forces who were exposed to radiation as a result of 
nuclear weapon testing.  The bill was never passed or signed 
into law.

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 29 May 15 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.  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.  
Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find 
no basis to recommend granting the requested relief.

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-2014-04507 in Executive Session on 25 Aug 15 under the 
provisions of AFI 36-2603:

      	, Panel Chair
	, Member
	, Member

The following documentary evidence pertaining AFBCMR Docket 
Number BC-2014-04507 was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 29 Oct 14, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 16 Mar 15.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 29 May 15.