RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2015-02725

						COUNSEL:  NONE

						HEARING DESIRED:  NO 

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Korean Defense Service Medal (KDSM).

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

During his assignment at Yamato Air Station, Japan, he deployed to Korea several times.  His temporary duty assignments to Korea included radar system installation, as well as, delivering pay checks and material, to Osan Air Base, Korea.  

In support of his request, the applicant provides a personal statement and copies of TDY orders and DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge.  

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 21 Nov 55, the applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force.  

On 16 Jun 59, the applicant was honorably discharged and credited with 1 year, 9 months and 29 days of Foreign Service.  

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DP3SP recommends denial.  The KDSM is awarded to service members who were permanently assigned, attached or detailed to a unit that operated within all the land of Korea and the contiguous water out of 12 nautical miles and all the airspaces above the land and water areas, and must have been physically deployed in the area of eligibility for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days between 28 Jul 54, an a future date to be determined by the Secretary of Defense.  After a thorough review of the applicant’s official military personnel records, his entitlement to the KDSM could not be verified.  

The applicant provided 1885th Airways and Air Communication Service Installations Squadron special order number 162 for TDY for approximately 45 days to 6314th Air Base Group, APO 970; however, DP3SP was unable to locate official documentation to verify the applicant was physically present in Korea for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days, for award of the KDSM. 

Based on a review of the applicant’s official military personnel record, he should have been awarded the Good Conduct Medal (GCM) during his service from 21 Nov 55 to 16 Jun 59, and was not reflected in his records.  Upon final Board decision, DP2STM will administratively correct the applicant’s record to reflect he was award the GCM.  

A complete copy of the AFPC/DP3SP evaluation, with attachment, is at Exhibit C.

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

By letter dated 11 Mar 16, the applicant reiterates his original contentions and states he was not aware of the criteria necessary to qualify for the KDSM until he attended a reunion with several veterans he served with in the Far East.  

The applicant’s complete submission 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 timely filed.

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 and adopt the rationale expressed as the basis for our conclusion that relief beyond that already granted administratively is not warranted.  Should the applicant provide official documentation to verify he was physically present in Korea for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days, to substantiate his eligibility for award of the KDSM, we would be willing to reconsider his request.  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-2015-02725 in Executive Session on 27 Sep 16, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	Panel Chair
	Member
	Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 22 Jun 15, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DP3SP, dated 9 Dec 15, w/atch.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, AFBCMR, dated 11 Mar 16.
	Exhibit E.  Rebuttal, Applicant, not dated. 

Pursuant to paragraph 1 of AFI 36-2603 (Title 32 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 865.1), it is certified that a quorum was present at the Board's review and deliberations, and that the foregoing is a true and complete record of the Board's proceedings in the above entitled matter.