RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2015-00869 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor (AFOUA w/V) and 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters be awarded. APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: Award of the AFOUA w/V device and 3 Oak Leaf Clusters were earned while assigned to the 601st Photographic Squadron, Ubon Thailand (1972-1973). A photo of his squadron’s trailer has AFOUA ribbon display with V device and 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters. The applicant also offers an e-mail from a member of a similar squadron in Vietnam who claims his unit received the AFOUAs. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: On 16 Jun 69, the applicant entered the Regular Air Force. According to the applicant’s AF Form 910, Enlisted Performance Report (EPR), with a reporting period of 1 Jan 72 to 31 Oct 72, he served at Ubon Airfield, Thailand. On 15 Apr 73, the applicant was released from active duty and transferred to the Air Force Reserve, and was credited with 3 years and 10 months of active service, which included 1 year, 1 month, and 25 days of foreign service. 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 complete request to award the AFOUA w/V and three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters indicating there is no evidence of an error or injustice; however, he does qualify for one AFOUA w/V. The AFOUA is awarded to units having distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement clearly setting the unit above and apart from similar units. The service or achievement may be for exceptionally meritorious service or a specific achievement of national or international significance. The AFOUA can also be awarded for combat operations against an armed enemy of the United States or military operations involving conflict with or exposure to hostile actions by an opposing foreign force. A bronze valor device may be worn on the service ribbon when award of the AFOUA is made to a unit for combat or direct combat support. A review of the applicant’s military personnel record, and information provided, determined the applicant was assigned to the 601st Photographic Squadron from 18 Jan 72 to 15 Apr 73, which is during the squadron’s award period for basic AFOUA with Valor award (May 1972 – May 1973). The 601st Photographic Squadron received a second AFOUA w/V from May 1974 to June 1975; however, there is no evidence the applicant was assigned to the unit during that period. Based on a review of the applicant’s record, one AFOUA w/V, the Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm should have been awarded to the applicant, but were not reflected in his record. Upon Board final decision, this action will be administratively corrected. 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 31 Jul 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 with respect to the applicant’s request for the AFOUA with three bronze oak leaf clusters. 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. We note the AFPC/DPSID advisory indicates the applicant’s MPR should include the AFOUA with Valor, the Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm but does not. Upon Board final decision, the applicant’s MPR will be administratively corrected to reflect these awards. Therefore, 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-2015-00869 in Executive Session on 19 Nov 15 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: Panel Chair Member Member The following documentary evidence was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 18 Feb 15, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 1 Jul 15. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 31 Jul 15.