RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:			DOCKET NUMBER:  02-02412
						INDEX CODE:  110.00
    						COUNSEL:  NONE

    						HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Vietnam Service Medal and all other associated medals for service at Detachment 3, 6994 Security Squadron from 6 January 1974 through 11 February 1974.  

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

The missions of the 6994 Security Squadron were classified for many years and the personnel that supported these missions should be deservingly and justly awarded these medals and honors.  The 6994 Security Squadron continued to fly combat missions in Southeast Asia until 15 May 1974 under Operation Commando Forge.  The DoD Manual 1348.33-M states that the award of the Vietnam Service Medal is for service between July 4, 1965 and March 28, 1973.  

In support of his application he submits copies of his DD Form 214; an excerpt of DoD Manual 1348.33-M; documents associated with his TDY to Ubon Airfield, Thailand and a copy of an Enlisted History Research Project on Enlisted Aircrews and Airborne Radio Detection Finding (ARDF).  

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Records reflect that the applicant retired in the grade of master sergeant effective 1 March 1992.  He had served 20 years, 2 months and 11 days on active duty.  Records indicate he served on temporary duty with the 6994 Security Squadron, Thailand, from 6 January 1974 through 11 February 1974.  The applicant was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with oak leaf cluster, AF Organizational Excellence Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with silver oak leaf cluster, National Defense Service Medal with bronze star, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon with oak leaf cluster, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with four oak leaf clusters, NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon with oak leaf cluster, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship ribbon and the Air Force Training ribbon.  

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommends the application be denied.  DPPPR states that since the applicant was not in Thailand until 1974, he is not eligible for award of the Vietnam Service Medal or any “associated medals” for direct support of operations in Vietnam during the Vietnam Conflict.  The DPPPR 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 23 August 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 warranting award of the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM).  The VSM is awarded for service in Vietnam during the period 4 July 1965 through 28 March 1973.  The applicant was assigned to Thailand on 6 January 1974, approximately ten months after the closeout date for award of the VSM.  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, we find no 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 02-02412, in Executive Session on 6 February 2002, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 17 June 2002 w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant’s Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 15 August 2002.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 23 August 2002.