RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2019-03475

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX	COUNSEL:  NONE

	HEARING REQUESTED:  NO

APPLICANT’S REQUEST

The Korea War Service Medal be added to his DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge.

APPLICANT’S CONTENTIONS

He was never notified of the award. 

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS

The applicant is a former airman first class (E-3) who served during the Korean War era [27 June 1950 through 27 July 1954]. 

On 30 September 1953, the applicant was furnished an honorable discharge, and was credited with 1 year, 11 months, and 6 days of foreign and/or sea service.  His DD Form 214 indicates he was awarded the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal [Korean War].

APPLICABLE AUTHORITY

Air Force Manual 36-2806, Awards and Memorialization Program.

The Korean Service Medal.  This medal is awarded to personnel who were assigned or attached to combat or service units designated by the Commander, Far East Air Forces, in general orders for service within the Korean Theater or adjacent areas between 27 June 1950 and 27 July 1954. The personnel must have performed the prescribed service while they were on permanent assignment, on TDY with a designated unit or headquarters for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days.

United Nations Service Medal (Korea).  The medal was established by United Nations General
Assembly Resolution 483(V), 12 December 1950.  Presidential acceptance for the U.S. Armed Forces was announced by the Department of Defense on 27 November 1951.  The medal was awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who participated in the United Nations action in Korea (between 27 June 1950 and 27 July 1954) and who are also eligible for the Korean Service
Medal.  

Korean War Service Medal.  The Secretary of Defense approved the acceptance and wear of the Korean War Service Medal on 20 August 1999, to recognize the sacrifices of U.S. veterans of the Korean War.  To receive this medal, members must have served in the country of Korea, its territorial waters, or airspace within the inclusive period of 25 June 1950 to 27 July 1953.  

FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION

1.  The application was not timely filed, but it is in the interest of justice to excuse the delay.

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

3.  After reviewing all Exhibits, the Board concludes the applicant is the victim of an error or injustice. The Board finds a preponderance of the evidence substantiates the applicant’s contentions.  In particular, the Secretary of Defense approved the acceptance and wear of the Korean War Service Medal on 20 August 1999.  To receive this medal, members must have served in the country of Korea, its territorial waters, or airspace within the inclusive period of 25 June 1950 to 27 July 1953.  The applicant was awarded the Korean Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal, which qualifies him for the Korean War Service Medal.  Therefore, the Board recommends correcting the applicant’s records as indicated below.

RECOMMENDATION

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT be corrected to show his DD Form 214, Report of Separation from the Armed Forces of the United States, issued in conjunction with his 9 September 1953 discharge, be amended in Block 27, Decorations, Medals, Badges, Commendations, Citations and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized, to reflect the Korean War Service Medal.

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-2019-03475 in Executive Session on 23 April 2020:

, Panel Chair 
, Panel Member
, Panel Member

All members voted to correct the record.  The panel considered the following:

Exhibit A:	Application, DD Form 149, w/atch, dated 15 June 2019.
Exhibit B:	Documentary Evidence.

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