RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS


IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2011-00071
		COUNSEL:  NONE
	HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

1.  His records be corrected to reflect service in Vietnam 
(Administratively corrected).

2.  His DD Form 214, Report of Separation from Active Duty, be 
corrected to reflect award of the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

1.  He served two years, seven months overseas, eight of which 
were in Vietnam.

2.  He risked his life in Vietnam and his country should 
recognize it.

In support of his request, the applicant provides copies of 
pictures, TDY orders, and his DD Form 214.
	
The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at 
Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant’s available military personnel records reflect 
that he entered active duty service on 20 October 1969 for a 
term of four years.  He was released from active duty on 31 
August 1973 with an honorable character of service.

By letter, dated 5 October 2011, AFPC/DPAPP advised the 
applicant they had verified his service at Clark AB, Philippines 
from 23 March 1970 to 9 June 1971.  They were also able to 
verify that he served in a temporary duty status in the Republic 
of Vietnam.  However, they could not verify the number of days 
served in Vietnam.  The applicant was advised that since his 
record reflects the amount of Foreign Service, no correction of 
his record on this issue is needed.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial of the applicant’s request for the 
VSM.  A detailed review of the applicant’s record does verify he 
served in Vietnam.  However, his record does not show where in 
Vietnam he was assigned or the duration of his assignment.  The 
applicant was sent a letter requesting additional documentation 
to confirm his Vietnam Service; however, the documentation he 
provided did not verify that he served on a TDY assignment for 
more than 30 days.

The complete DPSIDR evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the DPSIDR evaluation was forwarded to the applicant 
on 2 December 2011 for review and comment within 30 days.  To 
date, no response has been received. 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 timely filed.

3.  Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to 
demonstrate the existence of an error or an injustice warranting 
award of the VSM.  After reviewing the documentation submitted, 
we believe, the applicant has provided sufficient evidence to 
support award of the VSM.  In this respect, the applicant 
contends he served in Cam Rahn Bay and Da Nang, Vietnam for 
eight months and should be awarded the VSM.  We note the 
applicant provides several photos of himself while TDY to 
Vietnam.  Although the evidence is not conclusive, we find it 
sufficient to resolve any doubt on this issue in favor of the 
applicant. We note the Air Force office of primary 
responsibility has indicated they will administratively correct 
his records to reflect his service in Vietnam.  Accordingly, we 
recommend his records be corrected as indicated below.

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THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air 
Force relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that his 
DD Form 214, Report of Separation from Active Duty, issued 31 
August 1973, Item 26, Decorations, Medal, Badges, Commendations, 
Citations and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized be amended 
to reflect the Vietnam Service Medal.

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The following members of the Board considered Docket Number BC-
2011-00071 in Executive Session on 5 Jan 12, under the 
provisions of AFI 36-2603:
	Chair
	Member
	Member

The Board voted to correct the record as recommended.  The 
following documentary evidence was considered:

Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 4 January 2011, w/atchs.
Exhibit B.  Letter, AFPC/DPSDR, dated 4 November 2011.
Exhibit C.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 2 December 2011.




	
								Chair