RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  01-03321
		INDEX CODE:  110.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Republic of Vietnam (RVN) Gallantry Cross with Palm Medal.  

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was in Vietnam from April 1967 to June 1968 on various missions.  

In support of his application he submits a copy of an Airman Performance Report showing he was TDY to the RVN and a copy of his DD Form 214.  

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force in the grade of airman basic (E-1) on 27 September 1966.  Records reflect he had an overseas tour in the Philippines for the period 15 April 1967 – 9 May 1968.  The applicant was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon and Air Force Good Conduct Medal.  He was released from active duty on 25 September 1970 and transferred to the Air Force Reserve, Obligated Reserve Section, for completion of his Military Service Obligation.  He had served 3 years, 11 months and 29 days on active duty.  He was honorably discharged the Air Force Reserve on 26 September 1972.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommends the application be denied.  DPPPR states that they have verified the applicant’s entitlement to the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and the RVN Gallantry Cross w/Palm and these awards have been added to his DD Form 214.   However, states DPPPR, on 7 January 2002, they notified the applicant that additional documentation was needed to verify his eligibility for the VSM and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.  DPPPR states that without documentation showing the applicant meets the criteria for these medals; i.e., TDY to Vietnam in direct support of operations for 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive days, disapproval of these awards is recommended.  

The DPPPR evaluation, with attachments, is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 5 April 2002 for review and response within 30 days.  As of this date, this office has received no response.

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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 error or injustice.  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 of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  Therefore, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application.

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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of probable 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.

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The following members of the Board considered this application AFBCMR Docket Number 01-03321 in Executive Session on 26 June 2002, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 16 November 2001 w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant’s Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 15 March 2002 w/atchs.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 5 April 2002.