RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2013-03301
	XXXXXXX	COUNSEL:  NONE
		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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THE APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the appropriate ribbons, medals, decorations, 
badges, commendations and citations not awarded or authorized 
upon discharge.

________________________________________________________________

THE APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He should have received the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) and the 
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (RVNCM) for providing 
maintenance assistance at Tuy Hoa Air Base, Vietnam.

He was exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam and is applying for 
health benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).

In support of his appeal, the applicant provides copies of 
Special Order T-173, dated 1 Oct 69 and his DD Form 214, Armed 
Forces of the United States Report of Transfer and Discharge, 
issued in conjunction with his 15 May 72 separation.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 17 May 68, the applicant entered active duty in the Regular 
Air Force for a period of four years.  He was progressively 
promoted to the grade of sergeant (E-4).

On 15 May 72, he was honorably released from active duty and 
transferred to the Air Force Reserve.  He was credited with 
4 years of active duty, including 1 year and 6 months of foreign 
service.

DPSIDRA administratively corrected the applicant’s record to 
reflect the award of the VSM, with Two Bronze Service Stars 
(VSM, w/2BSSs) and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, with 
Palm (RVGNC w/P).

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THE AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSID recommends denial of the applicant’s request for the 
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (RVCM).  DPSID notes that 
there is no official documentation in the applicant's official 
military personnel record verifying that he served for six 
months in South Vietnam or contributed direct combat support to 
the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces for an aggregate of six 
months.  To grant relief would be contrary to the eligibility 
criteria established by DoDM 1348.33.

The RVNCM is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the 
United States who between 1 March 1961 and 28 March 1973: served 
for six months in South Vietnam or served outside the 
geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed direct 
combat support to the RVN Armed Forces for an aggregate of six 
months.  Only members of the Armed Forces of the United States 
who meet the criteria established for the Armed Forces 
Expeditionary Medal (Vietnam) or the VSM during the period of 
service required are considered to have contributed direct 
combat support to the RVN Armed Forces.  

The complete DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF THE AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the 
applicant on 29 Oct 13 for review and comment within 30 days.  
As of this date, no response has been received by this office 
(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 to warrant award 
of the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.  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 that relief beyond that already granted administratively is not warranted.  In view 
of the above and in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting further relief in this application.
________________________________________________________________

THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of material error or injustice; the 
application was denied without a personal appearance; and 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-2013-03301 in Executive Session on 6 May 2014, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	, Panel Chair
	, Member
	, Member

Although Ms. Barger chaired the panel, in view of her unavailability, Mr. Kearney has signed as Acting Panel Chair. The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 5 Jul 13, w/atchs. 
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Available Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPSID, dated 16 Sep 13.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 29 Oct 13.
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