RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-01177
			COUNSEL:  NONE
			HEARING DESIRED:  NO 


APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor 
(AFOUA w/V) for his service with the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing 
(TFW) between Aug 71 and Nov 72.  


APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He deserved the AFOUA w/V but it did not get added to his records 
because he was out-processing.

The Board should find it in the interest of justice to consider 
granting his request because he served 17 months in Vietnam and 
Thailand during OPERATION CONSTANT GUARD, working 12 hour days in 
order to keep the mission going.

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


STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 6 Nov 68, the applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force.

On 3 Nov 72, the applicant received an honorable discharge.  He 
was credited with 3 years, 11 months and 28 days of active 
service.   


AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSID recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an 
error or an injustice. DPSID was unable to verify the applicant 
was assigned or attached to the 49th TFW.  However, they were able 
to verify award of the AFOUA w/V for the applicant’s service with 
the 12th Avionics Maintenance Squadron for award inclusive period 
from 1 Apr 70 to 21 Oct 71. 

The AFOUA was authorized by the Secretary of the Air Force 
(SecAF), 6 Jan 54.  It is awarded by the SecAF to units that have 
distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service or 
outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above and apart 
from similar units.  A bronze “V” device is awarded when the award 
of the AFOUA is made to a unit for combat or direct combat 
support.  

DPSID determined that the AFOUA w/V, and three Bronze Oak Leaf 
Clusters (AFOUA w/V & 3 BOLCs); the Vietnam Service Medal with 
three Bronze Service Stars (VSM w/3 BSSs); and the Republic of 
Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVNGC w/P) should have been 
awarded during the applicant's service from 6 Nov 68 to 3 Nov 72, 
and were not reflected in his records. Upon final Board decision, 
administrative correction of the applicant's official military 
personnel record will be completed by AFPC/DPSOR:

The complete 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 6 Jun 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 to warrant 
award of the AFOUA w/V for his service with the 49th TFW.  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 its rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the 
applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  
Therefore, aside from the administrative corrections to add the 
AFOUA w/V & 3 BOLCs, the VSM w/3 BSSs and the RVNGC w/P we find no 
basis to grant the additional relief sought in this application.


THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not 
demonstrate the existence of 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 documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket 
Number BC-2014-01177 was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 17 Mar 14, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 27 May 14.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 6 Jun 14.