RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2007-03481
		INDEX CODE:  107.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE
		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was assigned to the 2005th Supply Squadron, Clark Air Base, Philippines, from 1972 to 1974.  As a member of the supply unit he shipped materials and equipment to South Vietnam.  In November 1972, he was TDY to Vietnam for 30 days.

Applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

After serving 20 years and 2 days on active duty, the applicant retired from the Air Force on 1 August 1991 in the grade of master sergeant.

The VSM is awarded to all service members of the Armed Forces who between 4 July 1965 and 28 March 1973, served in the following areas of Southeast Asia:  Vietnam and the contiguous waters and airspace; Thailand, Laos or Cambodia or the airspace thereof and in the direct support of military operations in Vietnam.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPAPP recommends denial.  DPAPP states they carefully reviewed the applicant's master personnel record, but could not find any documents that verified he served at any time in Vietnam.  They asked him to make one last check of his personal files to see if he might have any documentation that substantiated his claim to Vietnam service.  He did not respond.

The complete DPAPP evaluation is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial.  DPSIDR states a review of the applicant's Report on Individual Personnel (RIP) revealed overseas assignment in the Philippines only.  He did not provide documentation to substantiate his entitlement to this award and they were unable to verify any assignment in the area of eligibility for the VSM.

The complete DPSIDR evaluation is at Exhibit D.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 14 March 2008, the evaluation was forwarded to the applicant for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit E).  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 an error or injustice.  The applicant’s contentions are duly noted; however, after thoroughly reviewing his submission and the evidence of record, we found no evidence which would lead us to believe that he is entitled to the VSM.  Therefore, we agree with the opinions and recommendations of the Air Forces office of primary responsibility and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  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 the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of an error or an injustice; the application was denied without a personal appearance; and 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-2007-03481 in Executive Session on 6 May 2008, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

   Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 15 September 2007.
   Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
   Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPAPP, dated 30 January 2008.
   Exhibit D.  Letter, AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 29 February 2008.
   Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 14 March 2008.