RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-02543
		INDEX CODE 107.00
	 	COUNSEL:  None

	 	HEARING DESIRED:  No

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His DD Form 214 reflect service in Vietnam. 

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He served in Vietnam and submits a USAFSS Form 163, Travel Order Indorsement, dated 19 Mar 71.  The Indorsement references Travel Order TA-22, 6927 Security Group, 25 Feb 71.  The Indorsement directs the applicant to report to DaNang Airfield, Republic of Vietnam (RVN) not earlier than seven days prior to 4 Apr 71 to arrange for transportation from DaNang Airfield to Tan Son Nhut Airfield, RVN.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted for a period of four years in the Regular Air Force on 23 Jun 69.  

The Airman Performance Reports (APRs), for the periods 23 Jun 69 through 10 Aug 71 indicate he was assigned to the 6927th Security Group at Onna Point, Okinawa, as a Morse systems operator.  [His DD Form 214 for this enlistment period appears to indicate he was physically overseas for 1 year, 7 months and 9 days.]  These APRs do not mention temporary duty (TDY) in Vietnam.  The applicant’s USAFSS Form 163, Travel Order Indorsement, dated 19 Mar 71 (Exhibit A), references Travel Order TA-22, 6927 Security Group, dated 25 Feb 71.  Neither form is in his military records.  

Around 11 Aug 71, the applicant was assigned to the 6964 Computer Service Squadron at San Antonio, TX, as a programming specialist.

The applicant was honorably discharged in the grade of sergeant on 7 Nov 72, after 3 years, 4 months and 15 days of active service.  His DD Form 214 indicates he had 1 year, 7 months and 9 days of foreign service.  

The applicant immediately reenlisted on 8 Nov 72 for a period of six years.  However, on 3 Oct 73, after 10 months and 26 days, he was administratively discharged due to a character and behavior disorder, with an honorable characterization.  This gave him a total of 4 years, 3 months and 11 days of active service.

Review of the applicant’s available Military Personnel Record (MPR) discloses no Travel vouchers, TDY orders or any other documents that verify service in Vietnam.

On 30 Aug 04, HQ AFPC/DPAPP advised the applicant his records did not contain any documents showing he was in Vietnam.  Further, the USAFSS Form 163 was noted, but they requested the TDY order referenced in the Indorsement be provided because that would tell them how long he was in Vietnam.  Also helpful would be a copy of the TDY Travel Voucher he would have had to file for the TDY.  

In a letter dated 22 Sep 04, the applicant responded to HQ AFPC/DPAPP, who forwarded his letter to the AFBCMR Staff.  The applicant indicates he has asked for assistance from Senator in resolving his claim.  

Copies of HQ AFPC/DPAPP’s letter and the applicant’s response are at Exhibit C.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPAPP advises the applicant’s MPR has no Travel vouchers, TDY orders or any other documents that verify service in Vietnam.  The Indorsement the applicant furnished shows he was to report to the Passenger Service Counter at DaNang Airfield Vietnam on 4 Apr 71.  This travel order indorsement without the TDY order is insufficient justification to confirm service in Vietnam.  Denial is therefore recommended.

A complete copy of the evaluation is at Exhibit D.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A complete copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 8 Oct 04 for review and comment within 30 days.  However, 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.  After a thorough review of the evidence of record and the applicant’s submission, we are not persuaded his DD Form 214 should reflect service in Vietnam.  The USAFSS Form 163 Indorsement was noted, but this does not confirm service was, in fact, performed in Vietnam.  The applicant’s records, including his performance reports, do not reflect TDY or service in that country.  His records indicate he was assigned to Okinawa from approximately Jun 69 to Aug 71.  The applicant has not produced a travel voucher, TDY order or other documents that verify service in Vietnam.  We therefore agree with the Air Force’s recommendation and adopt the rationale expressed as the basis for our decision the applicant has not sustained his burden of having suffered either an error or an injustice.  In view of the above and absent persuasive 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 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 in Executive Session on 16 and 27 December 2004 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence relating to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2004-02543 was considered:

   Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 11 Aug 04, w/atchs.
   Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
   Exhibit C.  Letters, HQ AFPC/DPAPP, dated 30 Aug 04, &
				Applicant, dated 22 Sep 04.
   Exhibit D.  Letter, HQ AFPC/DPAPP, dated 1 Oct 04 
   Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 8 Oct 04.