RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-03313 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His official military records reflect his Vietnam Service and Vietnam/Southeast Asia Service Ribbons. He would like to receive the ribbons and awards he is entitled to. APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: A dispute over his Vietnam Service was settled through Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA) disability claims and discovery of lost records. He provides copies of his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DVA Certification of Service and disability, flight records showing Saigon, Vietnam and Thailand (Southeast Asia) in support of his application. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: On 23 Oct 61, the applicant entered the Regular Air Force. On 22 Sep 65, the applicant received an honorable discharge. He was credited with 3 years and 11 months of active service. The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are contained in the memorandum prepared by the Air Force offices of primary responsibility (OPRs), attached at Exhibit C and Exhibit D. AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPAPP recommends the Board review the applicant’s documentation to determine sufficiency as proof of Vietnam Service. DPAPP was unable to clearly read the travel voucher provided by the applicant. The complete DPAPP evaluation is at Exhibit C. AFPC/DPSID recommends disapproval of the Vietnam Campaign Medal (VCM). There is no official documentation in the applicant’s record to verify he was in the area of eligibility for an aggregate of six months for award 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 six 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 six months. Only members of the United States Armed Forces who meet the criteria established for the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal or the VSM during the period of service required are considered to have contributed direct combat support to the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces; or, did not complete the length of service required, but who, during wartime, were: wounded by the enemy (in a military action), captured by the enemy during action or in the line of duty, but later rescued or released, killed in action or in the line of duty; or were assigned in Vietnam on 28 Jan 73, and served in Vietnam for the entire period between 29 Jan 73-28 Mar 73. DPSID was able to verify award of the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) with one Bronze Service Star (w/1BSS) and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster (AFOUA w/1BOLC). The applicant provided a DD Form 1351-2c, Travel Voucher, dated from 10 Apr 65 to 5 Aug 65 indicating he lodged at the Diamond Hotel in Thailand from 10-13 Apr 65; he was temporary duty at Takhli, Thailand from 13 Apr 65 to 5 Jul 65 and was at Don Muang Air Base, Thailand 5-6 Jul 65. The applicant also provided a memo from 6235th Combat Support Group (CSG), APO U.S. Forces 96273, to the 363rd Supply authorizing compensation for clothing rendered unserviceable due to inadequate laundry facilities. The memo states that during this time the applicant was assigned to the 6235th CSG. Per Directory of United States Air Force Organizations, Copy No. 179, declassified 18 Mar 98, the APO address is the address for Takhli, Thailand. The dates of service on the memo for the applicant are from 13 Apr 65 to 5 Jul 65, which coincide with the dates on the DD Form 1351-2c, putting the applicant in the area of eligibility, for one or more days assigned to a unit in support of military operations. Based on DPSID’s review of the applicant’s official military personnel record, they were able to determine that the below Air Force Medals and/or Ribbons should have been awarded during the applicant’s service from 23 Oct 61 to 22 Sep 65 and were not reflected in his records. Upon final board decision, administrative correction of the applicant’s official military personnel record will be completed by AFPC/DPSOR: *National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) *Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star (VSM w/1BSS) *Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVNGC w/P). The complete 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 27 Feb 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 warranting correction of the applicant’s records to reflect his entitlement to the VCM. We took notice of the applicant's complete submission, including attachments, 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 relief beyond that rendered administratively. 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 documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-03313 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 10 Aug 14, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Memorandum, AFPC/DPAPP, dated 24 Nov 14. Exhibit D. Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 29 Jan 15. Exhibit E. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 27 Feb 15.