RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2008-03792
		INDEX CODE:  107.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE

	 	HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge, be corrected to reflect award of the Vietnam Service Medal. 

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was temporarily assigned to Cam Rahn Bay, Vietnam, for 60 days in 1968.  His military pay records should prove that he received combat pay the months of September through December 1968.

In support of his request, the applicant provides a copy of AF Form 626, Request and Authorization for Temporary Duty – Military, a copy of a personal letter, and a copy of his Social Security Statement.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Air Force on 29 Mar 65, for a term of four years, and was progressively promoted to the grade of sergeant.  He was honorably discharged on 12 Mar 69, under the provisions of AFM 39-10, Administrative Separation of Airmen.  He served a total of 3 years, 11 months, and 14 days of active service.

His DD 214 indicates award of the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and 1 year and 29 days of Foreign Service.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPAPP recommends denial and states, in part, that no evidence was found to substantiate the applicant was TDY or served in Vietnam.

The AFPC/DPAPP evaluation is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial and states, in part, that based on their review and the Directorate of Assignments advisory, they must recommend disapproval for award of the VSM, without the required Foreign Service credit for Vietnam.  

The applicant provided a travel order as proof of his TDY to Vietnam.  The travel order itself is not a valid source document, and it does not prove he actually went TDY.  Without an official travel voucher, citation or performance reports, to verify he served in Vietnam his claim cannot be verified.

The AFPC/DPSIDR evaluation is at Exhibit D.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 13 Feb 09 for review and comment within 30 days.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office (Exhibit E).

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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.  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 the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  No evidence has been presented verifying the applicant’s entitlement to the requested medal.  Should he provide additional documentation to support his request, the Board would be willing to reconsider his application.  In view of 

the above, and 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 Docket Number BC-2008-03792 in Executive Session on 19 May 09, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

			XXXXXXXXXX, Panel Chair
			XXXXXXXXXX, Member
			XXXXXXXXXX, Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 6 Sep 08, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPAPP, dated 31 Dec 08.
	Exhibit D. Letter, AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 30 Jan 09.
	Exhibit E. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 13 Feb 09.

	XXXXXXXXXX
	Panel Chair