RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2015-03187

   						COUNSEL:  

						HEARING DESIRED:  NO 

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be granted foreign-service credit for his service in Vietnam. 

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He flew C-130s from Taiwan to Vietnam.  Now he has cancer and diabetes, but since his Vietnam service is not reflected on his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, he has been denied service-related compensation.  

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 26 May 64.

On 4 May 67, the applicant received an enlisted performance report (EPR) covering the period 27 Dec 66 to 1 May 67 while stationed at Ching Chuan Kang Air Base, Taiwan, stating he served as an aircraft mechanic and Assistant Crew Chief for C-130 aircraft flying into “forward Southeast Asia” locations on 65 missions, and noting his exceptional performance.  

On 24 May 68, the applicant was furnished an honorable discharge, and was credited with 3 years, 11 months, and 29 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/DPAPP recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice.  A thorough review of the applicant’s official military record did not reveal any documentation to support his contention he had service in Vietnam, nor did the applicant submit any documentation establishing that he served in Vietnam.  His record did confirm service in Taiwan. 

A complete copy of the AFPC/DPAPP 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 13 Jan 16 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 applicant was timely filed. 
 
3.  Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice.  After a thorough review of the evidence of record and the applicant’s complete submission, we are convinced the applicant is the victim of an injustice.  While the Board notes the comments of AFPC/DPAPP indicating relief should be denied because the applicant’s records did not contain any documentation to support his contention he had service in Vietnam, we believe a preponderance of the evidence substantiates corrective action is warranted.  In this respect, the Board notes the applicant’s enlisted performance report (EPR) covering the period 27 Dec 66 through 1 May 67 highlights his responsibilities as a mechanic and Assistant Crew Chief for 65 assigned missions in Southeast Asia (SEA) and believes this information is sufficient to establish with an extremely high probability the applicant was physically present in Vietnam.  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 he had boots on the ground in the Republic of Vietnam in 1967.  

The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2015-03187 in Executive Session on 21 Jul 16 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	Panel Chair
	Member	
	Member

All members voted to correct the records as recommended.  The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 20 Jul 16, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPAPP, dated 25 Nov 15.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 13 Jan 16.

Pursuant to paragraph 1 of AFI 36-2603 (Title 32 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 865.1), it is certified that a quorum was present at the Board's review and deliberations, and the foregoing is a true and complete record of the Board's proceedings in the above entitled matter.