RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-02437
		INDEX CODE:  107.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

_________________________________________________________________

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His record be corrected to show that he received two Air Force Commendation Medals (AFCMs).

_________________________________________________________________

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was awarded an AFCM for the period of March 13, 1969 to April 3, 1969 and October 2, 1968 to October 2, 1969, respectively.  In support of the application, the applicant submits a copy of his separation document (DD 214), and a copy of the AFCM (1OLC).

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

_________________________________________________________________

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 12 June 1967, the applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force in the grade of airman basic (E-1) at the age of 19 for a period of four (4) years.  He was progressively promoted to the grade of airman first class (E-3) effective and with a date of rank of 1 December 1968.

The applicant’s record indicates that he received the National Defense Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, the Air Force Commendation Medal (March 13 1969 to April 3, 1969), and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal.

The following is a resume of his Airman Performance Reports (APRs), commencing with the report closing 15 April 1969:

	PERIOD ENDING	OVERALL RATING

	15 April 1969	8
	25 September 1969	6
	23 April 1970	5

On 24 July 1970, the applicant received an Article 15 for breaking restriction to the limits of base.  For this incident, he was reduced to the grade of airman and ordered to forfeit $45.00.

On 16 September 1970, the applicant received an Article 15 for wrongful possession of marijuana.  For this incident, he was reduced to the grade of airman basic, ordered to forfeit $40.00, and was restricted to the limits of the base for 14 consecutive days.

On 26 October 1970, the applicant submitted his request for early release to return to a recognized institution of higher education or vocational/technical school.  The applicant’s commander recommended approval of his request on 30 October 1970.  

On 11 December 1970, the applicant was released from active duty, with an honorable discharge, and transferred to the United States Air Force Reserve.  He had served three years and six months of active duty service to include one year and two days of Foreign Service.

_________________________________________________________________

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPPPR recommends disapproval of the applicant’s request.  DPPPR notes the applicant provided a copy of an AFCM (1OLC) for meritorious service during 2 October 1968 to 2 October 1969; however, there is no official Special Order to validate the award.  DPPPR states they thoroughly researched the applicant’s official military personnel record and were unable to find any official document to verify his entitlement to the AFCM (1OLC).  

DPPPR’s evaluation is at Exhibit C.

_________________________________________________________________

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant for review on 3 September 2004.  As of this date, this office has received no response (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 error or injustice.  We took notice of the applicant’s contention that he should be awarded the AFCM (1OLC) for the period of 2 October 1968 – 2 October 1969 for his assignment in Vietnam; however, we are not persuaded by the evidence presented that his he is entitled to the award in question. In this respect, we note that his official records does not reveal that he was awarded the AFCM (1OLC).  Therefore, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  
________________________________________________________________

THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of probable material error or injustice; that the application was denied without a personal appearance; and that 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-2004-02437 in Executive Session on 17 February 2005, under the provisions of AFI 36‑2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

     Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 20 July 04, w/attachments.
     Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
     Exhibit C.  Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPAE, dated 26 Aug 04.
     Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 3 Sep 04;