RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-04702 COUNSEL:	NONE
HEARING DESIRED:	NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
His DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge, be corrected to reflect service in Vietnam and he be awarded the following awards/medals:

1)	Indochina Service Award [Indochina Campaign Commemorative Medal].

2)	Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) (Administratively resolved).

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
He flew combat missions in Vietnam during 1972. He flew 30 missions and 117 combat hours with the 61st Tactical Airlift Squadron. His squadron and other aircrews received the VSM but his DD Form 214 does not reflect the VSM. He also believes he is due the Indochina Service Award.

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:
On 19 Feb 70, the applicant entered the Regular Air Force.
On 14 May 72, according to the applicant’s AF Form 77, Company Grade Officer Performance Report, for the rating period 30 Apr 72 through 29 Oct 72, he departed for a 108 day temporary duty (TDY) to Southeast Asia (SEA).  He flew 30 combat missions and logged
117 combat hours, performing resupply missions in Vietnam.
On 10 Jan 73, the applicant was released from active duty and transferred	to	the	Air	Force	Reserve,	and	was	credited	with
2 years, 10 months, and 22 days of active service.

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are contained in the memoranda prepared by the Air Force offices of primary responsibility (OPR), which are attached at Exhibits C and D.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DPAPP defers the decision to award the applicant foreign service time in Vietnam to the Board. Although the applicant’s record has several performance reports that indicate temporary duty assignments to Southeast Asia, the exact location or length of these temporary duty assignments was unable to be determined.

A complete copy of the AFPC/DPAPP evaluation is at Exhibit C.
AFPC/DPSID recommends denying the applicant’s request for an Indochina Service Award. The applicant is likely referring to the commemorative award called the Indochina Campaign Commemorative Medal. This is primarily a celebratory display medal rather than official award or decoration of the United States Air Force or Department of Defense. However, the applicant has been provided three commercial sources that may be able to assist him with his request.

After a thorough review of the applicant’s official military personnel record, we were able to verify award of the Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star (VSM w/1BSS). The applicant’s AF Form 77, Officer Performance Report, for the period of performance 30 Apr 72 through 29 Oct 72, reflects the applicant departed [his duty station] for a 108 day temporary duty to Southeast Asia. It also states the primary mission of the applicant’s crew was resupply missions to besieged allied forces in Vietnam. Further, a Headquarters 14th Tactical Airlift Wing memo, dated 8 Jan 73, certifies the applicant’s flight record reflects he completed a total of 33 combat missions between
6 May 72 and 10 Aug 72. Finally, according to the Air Force Historical Agency’s website (Misc Exhibit), “part of the squadron deployed to Vietnam in the summer of 1972 to test the Adverse Weather Aerial Delivery System in combat for the first time.” This time frame coincides with combat mission dates on the 8 Jan
73 HQ 314th Tactical Airlift Wing memo.
The VSM w/1BSS should have been awarded and was not reflected in his records. Upon final Board decision, the applicant’s record will be corrected administratively.

A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit D

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
He was part of a unique C-l30 flying team sent to Vietnam to test and utilize the new Adverse Weather Ariel Delivery System (AWADS) drop system in 1972. In support of this statement, he provides copies of flying logbooks (starting 26 May 72 to 24 Jul 72) showing he flew numerous missions from Tan Son Nhut (VVTS). He flew to many combat areas of Vietnam including the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) to support American troops and Vietnamese allies in adverse weather.

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 Indochina Campaign Commemorative Medal. We took notice of the applicant's complete submission, to include his rebuttal response, in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of AFPC/DPSID and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice. However, we note AFPC/DPSID has determined the applicant’s eligibility for the VSM and his records will be administratively corrected. 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 members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-04702 in Executive Session on 28 Jul 15 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

, Panel Chair
, Member
, Member

The	following	documentary	evidence	pertaining	to	AFBCMR	Docket Number BC-2014-04702 was considered:

Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 11 Nov 14, w/atchs. Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C.	Memorandum, AFPC/DPAPP, dated 23 Jan 15. Exhibit D.	Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 6 May 15. Exhibit E.	Letter, Applicant, dated 18 Jun 15.
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