RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-00239 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, be corrected to reflect the award of the Vietnam Service Medal. APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He served in Thailand between Apr 72 and Jun 74 which would make him eligible for the award of the Vietnam Service Medal. In support of his request, the applicant submits two DD Form 214s, a copy of his retirement order, and copies of evaluations that show he was temporarily assigned to southwest Asia for six months and permanently assigned to Thailand. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 14 Jun 71. On 31 Aug 91, the applicant was furnished an Honorable discharge, and was credited with 20 years, 2 months, and 17 days of active service. The applicant’s DD Form 214 reflect award of the following Air Force Medals and/or Ribbons: - Meritorious Service Medal - Air Force Commendation Medal - Air Force Good Conduct Medal with silver oak leaf cluster - NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon - Air Force Longevity Service Award with four bronze oak leaf clusters - National Defense Service Medal with bronze star - Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon - Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon - Air Force Training Ribbon - Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with bronze oak leaf cluster The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are described in the memoranda prepared by the Air Force offices of primary responsibility (OPR), which are included at Exhibits C and D. AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPAPP recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice. They were unable to verify any Vietnam service. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPAPP evaluation is at Exhibit C. AFPC/DPSID recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice. The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to all members of the United States Armed Forces who served in Vietnam or contiguous waters or airspace after 3 Jul 65, and before 28 Mar 73. In addition, personnel serving in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia in direct support of operations in Vietnam during the same time period also were eligible for the VSM. To be eligible, a service member must be permanently assigned, attached or detailed for one, or more, days with an organization participating in or directly supporting ground (military) operations; permanently assigned, attached, or detailed for one, or more, days aboard a naval vessel directly supporting military operations; have actually participated as a crew member in one or more aerial flights directly supporting military operations; have served on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non- consecutive days. Those time limitations may be waived for personnel participating in actual combat operations. The applicant’s dates of service in Thailand as verified by his performance reports are past the award inclusive dates for the award of the Vietnam Service Medal. While the applicant served on temporary duty for six months in Southeast Asia no exact location could be verified. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit D. APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: He contends that his six-month temporary duty was at Udorn Air Force Base Thailand between Apr and Sep 72. The applicant’s complete response, with attachments, is at Exhibit F. On 26 Dec 14, the applicant provided copies of a Request and Authorization for Temporary Duty – Military, directing travel from MacDill AFB to Eglin AFB for the purpose of JCS directed deployment, AF Form 973, Request and Authorization for Change of Administrative Orders, changing the duration of the temporary duty from 89 days to 179 days (See Exhibit G). 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, to include his rebuttal comments, in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinions and recommendations of the Air Force offices of primary responsibility (OPR) and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error of injustice. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting the requested relief. 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-2014-00239 in Executive Session on 13 Jan 15 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: , Panel Chair , Member , Member The following documentary evidence pertaining AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-00239 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 16 Jan 14, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Memorandum, AFPC/DPAPP, dated 20 May 14. Exhibit D. Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 7 Jul 14. Exhibit E. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 15 Sep 14. Exhibit F. Applicant’s Letter, undated. Exhibit G. Applicant’s Letter, dated 26 Dec 14.