RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2007-01141
				INDEX CODE:  107.00
				COUNSEL:  NONE

				HEARING DESIRED:  NO

MANDATORY CASE COMPLETION DATE:  13 OCTOBER 2008

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to reflect he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was in Thailand for two temporary duties (TDYs) both for over 60 days.

Applicant's complete submission is attached at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force (RegAF) on 15 March 1966 as an airman basic (AB) for a period of four years.  He was honorably released from active duty on 13 March 1970 in the grade of staff sergeant.  He served 3 years, 11 months and 29 days on active duty.

HQ AFPC/DPPPRA informed the applicant on 27 September 1995 and 21 January 1997, that the information and documentation he provided did not substantiate his eligibility for the VSM.

On 30 April 2007, HQ AFPC/DPAPP informed the applicant documentation in his military personnel records to verify his eligibility for the VSM could not be located.  DPAPP further requested the applicant provide any documentation he may have to substantiate his request.  He did not respond.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPPPR recommends denial.  DPPPR states the VSM is awarded to servicemembers who, between 4 July 1965, and 28 March 1973, served in Southeast Asia; in Vietnam and the contiguous waters and airspace; in Thailand, Laos or Cambodia or the airspace thereof or in the direct support of military operations in Vietnam.

DPPPR further states the applicant has not provided any documentation that verifies he served in the area of eligibility.

AFPC/DPPPR evaluation is attached 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 June 2007, for review and response.  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 an injustice.  We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinion and the recommendation of the Air Force and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or an injustice.  The applicant requests he be awarded the VSM.  There was no documentation found in the applicant’s military records or provided by him to support he served in an area of eligibility for award of the VSM.  The Directorate of Assignments requested the applicant provide additional documentation in support of his request for award of the VSM; he failed to respond.  Without official documentation showing the applicant served in an area of eligibility for the VSM his eligibility cannot be verified.  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 BC-2007-01141 in Executive Session on 2 October 2007, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

				XXXXXXXXXX, Panel Chair
				XXXXXXXXXX, Member
				XXXXXXXXXX, Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, 3 Apr 07.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPPR, 26 Jun 07.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 13 Jul 07.

					XXXXXXXXXX
					Panel Chair