RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2008-01414 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:
His records do not reflect any ribbons for his time spent in Southeast Asia (SEA).

He served in Vietnam during Arc Light and the Linebacker 1 and 2 campaigns and it is unjust that he never received a ribbon of any kind. He cannot belong to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) even though he has more time in SEA than most other veterans.

The applicant's complete submission is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:
The applicant served on active duty in the Air Force from 27 Oct
65 – 26 Oct 73. He was progressively promoted to the grade of staff sergeant.

He was honorably discharged on 26 Oct 73, after having served a total of eight years, with one year and six months of Foreign Service. His records reflect he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal (NDSM), and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal (AFGCM).

AFPC/DPSIDR has verified applicant’s entitlement to the Air Force Longevity Service Award w/ 1 Oak Leaf Cluster (AFLSA w/1OLC) and his DD Form 214 will be updated to include this medal.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPAPP recommends denial of applicant’s request that he be awarded medals/ribbons for his service in Vietnam.

There is no documentation in his military personnel records that verify any service either in or over Vietnam. Additionally, the applicant was asked to provide source documents to verify his assignment to or temporary duty (TDY) in Vietnam. He did not respond to their request.

The complete DPAPP evaluation is at Exhibit C.
HQ AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial. DPSIDR stated there were no source documents in his military personnel records that would assign or attach the applicant to any unit or TDY assignment to Vietnam.

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: in 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 complete DPSIDR evaluation is at Exhibit D.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
On 13 Jun 08, copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant for review and comment within 30 days. To date, a response has not been received.

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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. We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however,  we agree with the opinions and recommendations of the Air Force offices 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. Applicant’s records were thoroughly reviewed, however, no documentation was found nor did he provide any evidence to substantiate his eligibility for award of the
1.	
Vietnam Service Medal.	In view of the above, we find no 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 Docket Number BC-2008-01414 in Executive Session on 17 Jul 08, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

Panel Chair 
Member
Member
The following documentary evidence pertaining to Docket Number BC-2008-01414 was considered:

Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 9 Apr 08.
Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C.	Letter, AFPC/DPAPP, dated 19 May 08. Exhibit D.	Letter, AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 9 Jun 08. Exhibit E.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 13 Jun 08.