RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2008-03034
		INDEX CODE:  107.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE
		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to reflect that he received the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

Per instructions from his health and benefits advisor, he is requesting an amendment to his DD Form 214 to reflect his service in Vietnam.  Although he was not on the ground, he flew over the country in B-52s as part of the maintenance crew and did not receive combat pay.

In order for him to receive the proper medical benefits, he must have proof of his service.  His DD Form 214 shows the amount of Foreign Service time and no location information.

In support of the application, the applicant submits his DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge.

The applicant's complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.
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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 1 Nov 65.  He was honorably discharged from service on 12 Feb 69 and transferred to the Air Force Reserve.  He had served 3 years, 3 months and 12 days on active duty to include 11 months and 11 days of Foreign Service.

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 Exhibits C & D. 

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPAPP recommends denial.  DPAPP states no evidence was found in the applicant’s records that he was assigned duties in Vietnam.

The complete DPAPP evaluation is at Exhibit C.

HQ AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial.  DPSIDR 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; Thailand, Laos or Cambodia or other airspace thereof and in direct support of military operations in Vietnam.

The Directorate of Assignments (DoA) was unable to verify the applicant’s service in Vietnam.  Without DoA’s verification, DPSIDR is unable to verify his entitlement to the VSM.

The complete DPSIDR evaluation is at Exhibit D.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 10 Oct 08 for review and comment within 30 days.  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; therefore, we agree with the opinion and recommendation 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.  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 19 February 2009, under the provisions of AFI 36‑2603:

	XXXXXXXXXX, Panel Chair
	XXXXXXXXXX, Member
	XXXXXXXXXX, Member

The following documentary evidence was considered for AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2008-03034:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 13 Aug 08, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Letter, HQ AFPC/DPAPP, dated 22 Sep 08.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, HQ AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 25 Sep 08.
	Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 10 Oct 08.

                                  XXXXXXXXXX
                                  Panel Chair