RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2017-02636

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX	COUNSEL: NONE

	HEARING: NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

The following corrections be made to his DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge:

	1. Add the following awards to Block 26 (Decorations, Medals, Badges, Commendations, Citations and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized):

		a. The National Defense Service Medal (NDSM)

		b. The Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (SAEMR)

		c. The Air Force Training Ribbon (AFTR)

	2. His grade be corrected from airman basic (E-1) to airman (E-2).

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

Once it was determined that he had a physical disability and that it was an impediment to performing his military duties, his discharge action was expedited.  There was insufficient time for a records review and inclusion of all pertinent information on his DD Form 214.  He remembers receiving orders for, obtaining, and wearing the SAEMR and also the grade of airman.  He should be awarded the NDSM for serving during the Vietnam Conflict and should be eligible for the AFTR.  He would like his grade corrected so that it will accurately be reflected on his head stone when he is buried and the medals and ribbons corrected so that he can wear them on his uniform while participating in the Scottish American Military Society.  The applicant’s complete submission, with attachment, is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant entered the Regular Air Force on 7 February 1964.

On 17 April 1964, the applicant was discharged in the grade of airman basic (E-1) with an honorable character of service.  He was credited with 2 months and 11 days of active service and was not credited with any foreign service.  His narrative reason for discharge is “(SDN 277) Physical Disability-EPTS-Established by Medical Board and Individual Made Application For Discharge by Reason of Physical Disability, Chap 9, AFM 35-4.”  AFM 35-4, Physical Evaluation for Retention, Retirement and Separation, was the regulation for medical separations/retirements in effect in 1964.  SDN Code 277 indicates the applicant was medically discharged for a condition that existed prior to service.

The National Defense Service Medal was established on 22 April 1953, and amended 11 January 1966, to recognize honorable active military service during periods of conflict or national crisis. Members of the Armed Forces of the United States, to include the US Coast Guard, who are on Active Duty, members of the Selected Reserve in good standing, members of other than the Selected Reserve called to Active Duty, cadets in the USAF Academy, and USAF members who have completed USAF Basic Training are eligible for the medal. Ineligible members include ROTC cadets and members called to active duty for the sole purpose of undergoing a physical examination, for training only, or to serve on boards, courts, or commissions.

The Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon is awarded to Air Force personnel, including Reserve components members, whether or not they are on active duty, who, after 1 January 1963, qualify as “Expert” with either the M-16 rifle (to include the M-4 and GAU-5) or issue handgun on the Air Force qualification course, the appropriate orientation course prescribed in other AFIs, a Sister Service’s qualification course, or who satisfactorily complete the Combat Rifle Program.

The Air Force Training Ribbon was established on 12 October 1980, and is awarded to members who, after 14 August 1974, complete an initial Air Force accession training program (BMT, officer training school (OTS), Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC), Academy, Medical Services, Judge Advocate, Chaplain Orientation, and so forth). The ribbon may be awarded to Air Reserve Forces members who complete appropriate training.

For more information, see the excerpt of the applicant’s record at Exhibit B and the advisory at Exhibit C.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DP2SPP recommends denying the application.  They reviewed the applicant’s extremely limited records and found no documentation, such as a promotion order, regarding a promotion to airman (E-2).  The complete advisory is at Exhibit C.

APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The Board sent a copy of the Air Force evaluation to the applicant on 25 July 2018 for comment (Exhibit D), but has received no response.

THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

1.  The application was not timely filed.

2.  The applicant exhausted all available avenues of non-judicial relief before applying to the Board.

3.  After thoroughly reviewing all Exhibits, it is the Board’s opinion that the applicant is not the victim of an error and injustice.  The Board concurs with the rationale and recommendation of AFPC/DP2SPP and finds that a preponderance of the evidence does not substantiate the applicant’s contentions.  The Board also notes the applicant did not file the application within three years after the alleged error or injustice was discovered, or should have been discovered, as required by Title 10, United States Code, Section 1552, and Air Force Instruction 36-2603, Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR).  Moreover, the applicant has offered no plausible reason for the delay in filing the application.  The Board finds the application untimely and concludes it would not be in the interest of justice to excuse the delay.  Therefore, the Board recommends against correcting the applicant’s records.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The applicant be informed the application was not timely filed; it would not be in the interest of justice to excuse the delay; and the application will only be reconsidered upon receipt of relevant evidence not already considered by the Board.

CERTIFICATION:

The following quorum of the Board, as defined in Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2603, Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR), paragraph 1.5, considered Docket Number BC-2017-02636 in Executive Session on 25 October 2018:

, Panel Chair
, Panel Member
, Panel Member

All members voted not to correct the record.  The panel considered the following:

Exhibit A:	Application, DD Form 149, w/atch, dated 30 May 2017.
Exhibit B:	Documentary evidence, including relevant excerpts from official records.
Exhibit C:	Advisory opinion, AFPC/DP2SPP, dated 16 July 2018.
Exhibit D:	Notification of Advisory, SAF/MRBC to applicant, dated 25 July 2018.

Taken together with all Exhibits, this document constitutes the true and complete Record of Proceedings required by AFI 36-2603, paragraph 4.11.9.