RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-02642 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His DD Form 214, Report of Separation from Active Duty, be corrected to reflect service in Indochina and the award of the Vietnam Campaign Medal (VCM). APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: His DD Form 214, Item 19, Indochina or Korea Service since August 4, 1965, does not accurately reflect his service in Indochina. It is also missing the award of the VCM. During his service he was stationed in Nakhon Phanom and Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Bases (RTAFB), Thailand from 1972 through 1973. While assigned to Ubon, he was presented the VCM; however, his records were never updated. While assigned in Thailand he went temporary duty to Da Nang and Tan Son Nhut Air Bases, Vietnam. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 27 Jan 71. On 25 May 73, the applicant’s rater signed an AF Form 910, TSgt, SSgt, and Sgt Performance Report. The inclusive dates for this report were 23 Feb 72 through 22 Feb 73 and listed 56th OMS, Nakhon Phanom, RTAFB, Thailand (PACAF) as his organization, location and command. On 15 Feb 74, the applicant was furnished an Honorable discharge, and was credited with 3 years and 19 days of active service. He was also credited with 1 year of Foreign Service. The applicant’s DD Form 214 reflects the award of the following Air Force Medals and/or Ribbons: - National Defense Service Medal - Air Force Good Conduct Medal 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 injustice. They were able to verify Foreign Service in Thailand but they were unable to verify any other Foreign Service in Vietnam. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPAPP evaluation is at Exhibit C. AFPC/DPSID recommends approval of the VCM. The VCM is awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces who, between 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73 served for 6 months in South Vietnam, or served outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces for an aggregate of 6 months. Based on the dates of the applicant’s medical records and the close out date on the applicant’s Enlisted Performance Report, it seems far more likely than not the applicant served in Thailand for more than the 6 months aggregate required for the award of the VCM. Based on their review they were able to determine the below Air Force Medals and/or Ribbons should have been awarded: - Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star - Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Upon final Board decision, administrative correction of the applicant’s official military personnel record will be completed by AFPC/DPSOR. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit D. APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 6 Apr 15 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit E). As of this date, no response has been received by this office. 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 with regards to correcting the applicant’s DD Form 214 to indicate service in Indochina. We took notice of the applicant’s complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however agree with the opinion and recommendation of AFPC/DPAPP and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion that relief beyond that already granted administratively is not warranted. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting the requested relief. 4. Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice to warrant partial relief. After a thorough review of the evidence of record and the applicant’s complete submission, we are in agreement with AFPC/DPSID’s recommendation that based on the dates within the applicant’s medical records and the close out date on the applicant’s performance report, it seems far more likely than not the applicant served in Thailand for more than the 6 months aggregate required for the award of the VCM. Therefore, we recommend the applicant’s records be corrected as indicated below. THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT: The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to the APPLICANT be corrected to show that his DD Form 214, Report of Separation from Active Duty, issued on 15 February 1974 be amended to include the award of the Vietnam Campaign Medal. The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-02642 in Executive Session on 2 Jun 15 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: , Panel Chair , Member , Member All members voted to correct the records as recommended. The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-02642 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 24 Jun 14, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Memorandum, AFPC/DPAPP, dated 19 Nov 14. Exhibit D. Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 16 Feb 15. Exhibit E. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 6 Apr 15.