RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2015-00617 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 the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) (Administratively Resolved) and the Vietnam Campaign Medal (VCM).

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
He served in Vietnam from July 1967 through January 1968.
The	applicant’s	complete	submission,	with	attachments,	is	at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS:
The  applicant  initially  entered  the  Regular  Air  Force  on
20 Mar 62.
On 26 Aug 69, the applicant was furnished an honorable discharge, and was credited with seven years, five months, and seven days of active service.

The VSM is annotated on the applicant’s DD Form 215, Correction to DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge, dated 25 Nov 70.

On 31 Mar 15, AFPC/DPAPP  notified the applicant of their determination that he had “boots on ground” foreign service time in the Republic of Vietnam, from 31 Jul 67 to 17 Jan 68, for 5
months and 18 days. His DD Form 214, dated 26 Aug 69, is correct; therefore a correction is not needed.

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are contained in the memorandum prepared by the Air Force office of primary responsibility (OPR), which is attached at Exhibit C.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DPSID recommends denial of the VCM, indicating there is no official documentation in the applicant’s record to verify award of the medal. 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.

After a thorough review of the applicant’s official military record, it could not be verified that he served in direct combat support of the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces for an aggregate of six months.

Based on review of the applicant’s military personnel record, DPSID determined his eligibility for the following Air Force Medals and/or Ribbons: the Air Force Longevity Service Award (AFLSA), Korean Defense Service Medal (KDSM), Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze  Service Star (VSM w/1BSS), and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVNGC w/P). Upon final board decision the record will be administratively corrected.

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

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
A copy of the Air  Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 31 Aug 15, for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit D). 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.
1.	

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 award of the Vietnam Campaign Medal (VCM). 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 (OPR) and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice. We note the Air Force OPR has determined the applicant’s eligibility for the Air Force Longevity Service Award (AFLSA), Korean Defense Service Medal (KDSM), Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star (VSM w/1BSS), and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVNGC w/P), and will correct his records administratively. 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-2015-00617 in Executive Session on 8 Oct 15, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

, Panel Chair
, Member
, Member
The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2015-00617 was considered:

Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 12 Feb 15, w/atchs. Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C.	Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 10 Aug 15. Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 31 Aug 15.