RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-01953
		INDEX CODE:  107.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and that his military personnel records indicate that he served in Vietnam.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was in Cam-Rahn Bay and DaNang Air Base, Vietnam in 1970 and 1971.  His DD Form 214 (Report of Separation from Active Duty) does not reflect that he was in Vietnam, only in Indochina.  He indicates that he cannot process a claim through the Veterans Administration without clear proof of his claim that he was in Vietnam.

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 on 30 October 1969 in the grade of airman basic for a period of four years.  He was honorably discharged on 9 May 1972 and on 10 May 1972, he reenlisted for a period of four years.  He was honorably discharged on 7 May 1976 in the grade of sergeant.  He served six years, six month, and eight days of total active service.

On 22 July 2003, HQ AFPC/DPAPP2 advised the applicant there were no documents in his personnel file that reflected he was on temporary duty (TDY) to Vietnam.  They requested that he provide documents, i.e., TDY orders, TDY vouchers, to support his claim that he was TDY to Vietnam.

On 24 September 2003, HQ AFPC/DPPPRA advised the applicant the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal is only awarded to service personnel who served for six months in Vietnam during the period 1 March 1961 through 28 March 1973, or served outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the Republic of Vietnam (RVN) Armed Forces (only members who meet the criteria for award of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal or Vietnam Service Medal are considered to have contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces).  They requested he withdraw this portion of his application since he was not eligible for this medal.

According to the applicant’s DD Form 214 (Report of Separation from Active Duty or Discharged) he received the following decorations:  National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster, Presidential Unit Citation, and the Air Force Longevity Service Award.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPAPP2 recommended denial.  They indicated that there are no official documents in the applicant’s personnel record that support his claim to any temporary duties (TDYs) to Vietnam.  His records do confirm he served in the Philippines and Thailand.

The evaluation, with attachment, is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DPPPR recommended denial.  They indicated that they have thoroughly reviewed the applicant’s records and they are unable to find any indication that he was TDY from the Philippines to Vietnam at any time.  His assignment to Thailand is after the closeout date for award of the Vietnam Service Medal.  They are unable to verify his eligibility for any additional individual or unit awards or decorations.

The evaluation, with attachment, is at Exhibit D.
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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 26 November 2003, copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant for review and response 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 an error or injustice warranting the applicant’s records reflects he served in Vietnam and that he be awarded the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.  The applicant contends that he was in Cam-Rahn Bay and DaNang Air Base, Vietnam in 1970 and 1971.  We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinions and recommendations of the Air Force and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  According to the applicant’s military personnel records there is no indication that he had any assignment or TDY’s to any location in Vietnam.  Records do show that he served in the Philippines and Thailand during his Air Force career.  On 22 July 2003, AFPC/DPAPP2 requested the applicant provide a copy of TDY orders or paid TDY travel vouchers showing he was in Vietnam.  He did not respond.  Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought.
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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of an error or an 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 in Executive Session on 22 January 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2003-01953 was considered:

   Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 3 June 2003, w/atch.
   Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
   Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPAPP2, dated 3 September 2003,
               w/atch.
   Exhibit D.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 21 November 2003, 
               w/atch.
   Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 26 November 2003.