RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2007-01464
		INDEX CODE:  107.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

MANDATORY CASE COMPLETION DATE:  10 NOV 2008

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to show he flew a mission into the Republic of Vietnam and he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He flew missions into Vietnam when he was stationed at Ching Chuan AB, Taiwan and his DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge, does not indicate his service in Vietnam or the medal he received.

In support of his request, the applicant submits a copy of his DD Form 214.

Applicant’s complete submission, with attachment, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant’s records reflect he enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 21 Sep 72, and was promoted to the grade of airman.  He was discharged on 25 Sep 75, under the provisions of AFM 39-12, Separation for Unsuitability, Misconduct, Personal Abuse of Drugs; Resignation or Request for Discharge for the Good of the Service; and Procedures for the Rehabilitation Program, for Unsuitability.  He waived his rights to a hearing before an administrative discharge board and after consulting with counsel elected not to submit statements in his own behalf.  

The applicant was discharged with an honorable discharge characterization without an opportunity for probation and rehabilitation.  He served a total of three years and five months active duty service.

His record reflects award of the National Defense Service Medal; however, no Foreign Service or combat missions in Southeast Asia are recorded.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPAPP recommends denial.  DPAPP states, there are no documents in his record that indicate he flew missions into Vietnam, nor evidence of any service in Vietnam.  He was asked by DPAPP to check his personal files to see if he could locate any documents showing he flew missions into Vietnam, however; he did not respond to their request.

The DPAPP 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 27 Aug 07, 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.  After a thorough review of the applicant’s submission and the available evidence of record, the Board was not persuaded that he should be awarded the Vietnam Service Medal.  The Board notes no evidence was presented to show the applicant actually served in or flew missions into Vietnam.  We agree with the opinion  and recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt its 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 a 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 Docket Number BC-2007-01464 in Executive Session on 10 October 2007, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 17 Apr07, w/atch.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Memo, AFPC/DPAPP, dated 10 Aug 07.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 27 Aug 07.