RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2007-01571
		INDEX CODE:  107.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to show that he was awarded the following awards and decorations:

	1).  Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) for the period of Jan 74 – Jan 75.

	2)  Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor (AFOUA w/V) for the period of 1 May 1982 to 30 Apr 84.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

Per the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC), he was supposed to receive the VSM for his time in Southeast Asia (Jan 74 – Jan 75).  This was a hectic period of time and his supervisor did not inform him he was eligible for this award.  He served during this era and would like his awards and decorations completed.

His unit was awarded the AFOUA w/V during his assignment to the 20th Special Operations Squadron.  However, the award order is dated 22 Jan 85 (after his discharge in Nov 84).  He was not aware he was eligible for the award.

In support of the application, the applicant submits a copy of special order number AC-15048, a copy of DD 214, and AFPC Fact Sheet on the 20th Special Operations Squadron.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 6 Nov 84, the applicant was honorably discharged from active duty service and placed on the Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL).  He served 12 years and 23 days on active duty service.
In a letter dated 5 Jul 07, the Air Force office of primary responsibility notified the applicant that they were able to verify his entitlement to the award of the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVNGC w/P) while assigned to the 432nd Munitions Maintenance Squadron (432 MSS).

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application, extracted from the applicant’s military records, are contained in the letter prepared by the appropriate office of the Air Force at Exhibit C.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPPPR recommends denial.  DPPPR notes the applicant served from 16 Dec 73 to 13 Jan 75 with the 432 MSS, Udorn Air Base, Thailand.  DPPPR states the VSM is awarded to all service members of the Armed Forces who between 4 Jul 65 and 28 Mar 73, served in the following areas of Southeast Asia:  Vietnam and the contiguous waters and airspace; in Thailand, Laos or Cambodia or the airspace thereof and in the direct support of military operations in Vietnam.  The timeframe the applicant served in Thailand makes him ineligible for the award of the VSM.

The applicant was assigned to the 20th Special Operations Squadron Hurlburt Field, FL, from 1982 to 1984.  DPPPR states according to AFI 36-2803, Chapter 4.2, page 23:  Individual Entitlement – All assigned or attached people who served with a unit during a period for which a unit award was awarded are authorized the appropriate ribbon if they directly contributed to the mission and accomplishments of the unit.  The AFOUA w/V was only awarded to individuals from the 20th SOS who deployed to an overseas location in support of the mission.  The applicant never deployed during this time and; therefore, is ineligible to receive this award.  

The complete 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 for review and comment within 30 days on 27 Jul 07.  As of this date, this office has received no response (Exhibit D).

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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.  Other than his own assertions, the applicant has provided no documentary evidence that would establish his entitlement to the Vietnam Service Medal and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor; therefore, 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.  Thus, 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 this application in Executive Session on 13 September 2007, under the provisions of AFI 36‑2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered for AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2007-01571:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 16 May 07, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPPR, dated 5 Jul 07.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 27 Jul 07