RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2010-02926 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, be corrected to reflect award of the: 1. Vietnam Service Medal (VSM). Administratively corrected. 2. Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (RVNCM). _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He served in Vietnam in December 1966, January 1967, April 1967, June 1967 and July 1967. In support of his request, the applicant submits a copy of his DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge. The applicant's complete submission, with attachment, is at Exhibit A. _________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: On 5 October 1964, the applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force. On 26 September 1968, he was honorably discharged after completing 3 years, 11 months and 22 days of total active duty service. AFPC/DPSIDR administratively corrected the applicant’s record to reflect the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (AFOUA) and the vsm with two Bronze Service Stars (VSM w/2 BSS). The RVNCM is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served for six months in South Vietnam, during the period 1 Mar 61 to 28 Mar 73 or who served outside the geographical limits of the Republic of Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the Republic of Vietnam and Armed Forces for six months. Such individuals must meet the criteria established for the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (for Vietnam) or the Vietnam Service Medal, to qualify for the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. _________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial of the applicant’s request for award of the RVNCM. DPSIDR states they are unable to verify the applicant served six months in the area of eligibility to qualify for the RVNCM. The complete DPSIDR evaluation is at Exhibit C. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: On 7 January 2011, a copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant for review and comment within 30 days. As of this date, no response has been received by this office (Exhibit D). _________________________________________________________________ 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 regarding his request for award of the RVNCM. We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, 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 the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting his request. _________________________________________________________________ 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. _________________________________________________________________ The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2010-02926 in Executive Session on 21 April 2011, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: The following documentary evidence was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 8 Aug 10, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 17 Dec 10. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 7 Jan 11.