RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-02066
			COUNSEL:  NONE
			HEARING DESIRED:  YES 


APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to reflect he was entitled to two 
stripes for his active duty time in the Marine Corps Reserves.


APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

In Mar 55, he joined the Air Force; had two stripes and no lost 
time.  He was informed he could not enter Basic Military 
Training (BMT) with his current grade of corporal (2 stripes); 
however, once he completed BMT he would be given his stripes 
back.  

The Board should consider his untimely application in the 
interest of justice because an error was made. 

In support of his request, the applicant provides copies of his 
DD Forms 214, Report of Separation from the Armed Forces of the 
United States, Report of Separation from Active Duty, and Armed 
Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge; 
AFMPC Form 45, Retirement Order and various other documents 
associated with his request.

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


STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 27 Feb 53, the applicant enlisted in the United States Marine 
Corps (USMC) and was discharged on 28 Feb 55 in the grade of 
Corporal (Cpl).  

According to AF Form 7, on 1 Mar 55, he was placed in the 
inactive Reserve, USMC and discharged on 14 Mar 55 in the grade 
of Cpl.

On 15 Mar 55, he was placed in the active Reserve, USMC and was 
honorably discharged on 23 Mar 55 in the grade of Cpl.

On 24 Mar 55, he enlisted in the Regular Air Force in the grade 
of airman third class and was discharged on 30 Jun 73, in the 
grade of staff sergeant.  
He is credited with 20 years, 3 months and 9 days of active duty 
service.  


AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSIPE recommends denial.  After a thorough review of the 
applicant’s personnel records and other supporting 
documentation, there appears to not be an error or injustice in 
determining his current rank.  

AFPC Enlisted Accessions confirmed the applicant entered active 
duty on 24 Mar 55 and retired from active duty on 30 Jun 73 in 
the rank of SSgt.  Based on the fact this alleged injustice 
occurred nearly 60 years ago it is impossible to develop a sound 
judgment due to the limited information and supporting 
documentation.  

DPSIPE could not determine the applicant’s enlistment grade or 
reason for enlistment grade based upon the documentation 
provided.  However, should the applicant provide additional 
supporting documentation, they would be willing to relook at his 
case.

The complete DPSIPE evaluations are at Exhibits C and D. 


APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the 
applicant on 16 Jan 15, for review and comment within 30 days 
(Exhibit E).  As of this date, no response has been received by 
this office.


FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS OF THE BOARD:

1.  The applicant has not shown a sufficient reason for the 
delay in filing on a matter now dating back 60 years, the 
unreasonable delay has caused prejudice to the Air Force as 
relevant records have been destroyed or are no longer available 
which has greatly complicated the ability to determine the 
merits of the applicant’s position.  We are also not persuaded 
the records raises issues of error or injustice which requires 
resolution on the merits based on the lack of official 
documentation to support his request.  

2.  The applicant’s case is adequately documented and it has not 
been shown that a personal appearance with or without counsel 
will materially add to our understanding of the issues involved.  
Therefore, the request for a hearing is not favorably 
considered.


THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The application was not timely filed and it would not be in the 
interest of justice to waive the untimeliness.  It is the 
decision of the Board, therefore, to reject the application as 
untimely.


The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket 
Number BC-2014-02066 in Executive Session on 12 Mar 15, under 
the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	Panel Chair
	Member
	Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 12 May 14, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPSIPE, dated 14 Jul 14.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, AFPC/DPSIPE, dated 14 Dec 14.
	Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 16 Jan 15.