RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  02-01915
		INDEX CODE:  107.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED: NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to reflect his service in Southeast Asia and award of the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM).

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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:

Applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 21 Nov 72, for period of four years, in the grade of airman basic.  He was promoted progressively to the grade of sergeant (Sgt/E-4), with a date of rank and effective date of 1 Sep 75.  He served an overseas tour in Thailand during the period of 24 Feb – 13 Dec 75 and was released from active duty on 12 Aug 76.  He completed 3 years, 8 months and 22 days of total active service, with 9 months and 20 days of foreign and/or sea duty.

Applicant’s records reflect award of the National Defense Service Medal and Air Force Good Conduct Medal.  

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPPPR recommended denial stating, in part, that the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) is awarded for service in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos during the period of 4 Jul 65 – 28 Mar 73.  Since the applicant was stationed in Thailand in 1975, he is not eligible for award of the VSM.  His DD Form 214, Report of Separation from Active Duty, already reflects his overseas service of nine months and 20 days.

A complete copy of the evaluation 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 13 Sep 02 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 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 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, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, 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 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 AFBCMR Docket Number 02-01915 in Executive Session on 8 January 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 3 Jun 02, w/atch. 
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPPR, dated 3 Sep 02, w/atch.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 13 Sep 02.

                                   
                                   Panel Chair