RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2015-03233

						COUNSEL:  NONE

						HEARING DESIRED:  NO 

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (VCM).

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was stationed at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand from Apr 75 to Jan 76, and directly supported Operation FREQUENT WIND during the evacuation of Saigon and the freeing of crewmembers from the USS Mayaguez capture. 

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 14 Aug 73, the applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force 

On 31 Aug 93, the applicant was furnished an honorable discharge, and was credited with 20 years and 17 days of active service. He was credited with 7 years, 6 months and 13 days of Foreign Service. 

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DP3SP recommends denial indicating a review of the applicant’s military personnel records failed to substantiate award of the VSM and VCM.  To grant relief would be contrary to the criteria established by DoDM 1348.33, the Secretary of the Air Force (SECAF), the Chief of Staff (CSAF), and/or the War Department.  

DP3SP was able to verify the applicant’s service at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand during the period 6 Mar 75 to 10 Dec 75; however, his dates of service in Thailand are past the award inclusive period for award of the VSM and the VCM.  In addition,  
Thailand is not in the area of eligibility for Operation FREQUENT WIND.

The VSM was awarded to all members of the United States Armed Forces who served in Vietnam or contiguous waters or airspace after 3 Jul 65 and before 28 Mar 73.  In addition, personnel serving in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia in direct support of operations in Vietnam during the same time period also were eligible for the VSM.  To be eligible, a service member must be:  permanently assigned, attached, or detailed to one, or more, days with an organization participating in or directly supporting ground (military) operations; permanently assigned, attached, or detailed to one, or more days aboard a naval vessel directly supporting military operations; have actually participated as a crew member in one or more aerial flights directly supporting military operations; have served on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days.  Those time limitations may be waived for personnel participating in actual combat operations. 

The VCM is awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces who, between 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73, served 6 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 6 months.  Only members of the United States Armed Forces who meet the criteria established for the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) 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 to 28 Mar 73.

The AFEM is the appropriate award for participation in Operation FREQUENT WIND with the inclusive period from 29 Apr 75 to 30 Apr 75.  In accordance with Public Law 107-314, section 542, the AFEM for participation in Operation FREQUENT WIND may be exchanged for the VSM.  However, a service member may not receive both awards for the same period of service.  The area of responsibility for award of the AFEM in support of Operation FREQUENT WIND is Vietnam.  

DP3SP was unable to locate any documentation substantiating the applicant entered the area of responsibility and served in direct support of Operation FREQUENT WIND which occurred in Vietnam.     

A complete copy of the AFPC/DP3SP 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 8 Mar 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 application was timely filed.

3.  Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice.  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.  Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting the requested relief.

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-2015-03233 in Executive Session on 18 Oct 16, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	Panel Chair
	Member
	Member

The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2015-03233 was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 25 Aug 15, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Pertinent Excerpts from Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DP3SP, dated 5 Feb 16.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, AFBCMR, dated 8 Mar 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 that the foregoing is a true and complete record of the Board's proceedings in the above entitled matter.