RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2015-00892 COUNSEL:	NONE
HEARING DESIRED:	NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
His DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, be amended to add the following medals:

1.	Republic of Vietnam Air Gallantry Cross.
2.	Republic	of	Vietnam	Gallantry	Cross	with	Palm	(RVNGC	w/P)
(Administratively Corrected).

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
His service in Vietnam entitles him to these medals.
The	applicant’s	complete	submission,	with	attachments,	is	at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS:
On 25 Jan 60, the applicant entered the Regular Air Force.
On 31 Jan 80, the applicant was relieved and retired, effective
1 Feb 80, and credited with 20 years and 6 days of active service.
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 indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice. After a thorough review of the applicant’s record, no official documentation was found to validate he was recommended or awarded the Republic of Vietnam Air Gallantry Cross. Further, the Republic of Vietnam Air Gallantry Cross is an award of a foreign government, as such is not stocked or issued by the United States Air Force or Department of Defense.

Additionally, it was determined the applicant’s service entitled him to the Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Service Star (VSM w/4BSS) and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVNGC w/P) but were not previously awarded. Upon final board decision, the applicant’s 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.

3.	Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice with respect to the applicant’s request for award of the Republic of Vietnam Air Gallantry Cross. 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 of injustice. We note the Air Force OPR has determined the applicant’s eligibility for the Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Service Star (VSM w/4BSS), and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVNGC w/P). Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting relief beyond that already granted 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-2015-00892 in Executive Session on 5 Nov 15, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

, Panel Chair
, Member
, Member
The following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 24 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.