RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  01-02390

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His DD Form 214 be updated to include the Vietnam Service Medal.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

The reasons the applicant believes the records to be in error or unjust and the evidence submitted in support of the appeal are at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force as an airman basic on 19 November 1964 for a period of 4 years.  During the period in question, he was an airman first class serving as a   C-130 aircraft mechanic in a noncrew member status.

Applicant was eligible for separation under the Sole Surviving Son separation program.  He was discharged with an Honorable discharge on 29 August 1966.  He had 5 years, 6 months and 20 days of total active service.  He had 3 months and 2 days of Foreign Service

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application, extracted from the applicant's military records, are contained in the letter prepared by the appropriate office of the Air Force at Exhibit C.  

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommend disapproval of the applicant’s request for the award of the Vietnam Service Medal.  Applicant did not provide any documentation showing he was TDY to Vietnam, Thailand, Laos or Cambodia for 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive days, or that he flew as a crew member in one or more aerial flights directly supporting military operations, even after having been asked to do so.  Since the applicant has not met any of the criteria for award of the Vietnam Service Medal, he is not eligible for award of this medal.  

The AFPC/DPPPR evaluation is attached at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A complete copy of the evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 28 December 2001 for review and comment within 30 days.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office.

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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 probable error or injustice.  After a thorough review of the available evidence and the applicant’s complete submission, the Board majority is not persuaded that he is entitled to the award of the Vietnam Service Medal.  The Board majority agrees with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopts their rationale as the basis for thier conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  The Board majority did not find evidence that the applicant performed temporary duty in Vietnam for 30 consecutive or 60 inconsecutive days, or that he flew as a crewmember in one or more aerial flights directly supporting military operations.  Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, the Board majority finds no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application.

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THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

A majority of the panel finds that insufficient evidence of error of injustice and recommends the application be denied.

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The following members of the Board considered Docket Number 01-02390 in Executive Session on 13 March 2002, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

			Panel Chair
			Member
			Member

By a majority vote, the Board recommended denial of the application.  XXXXX voted to grant the applicant's request and elected to submit a minority report which is attached at Exhibit E. 

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 8 Sep 01.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 18 Dec 01, w/atchs.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 28 Dec 01.
	Exhibit E.	Minority Report, dated 14 Mar 02.