RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2015-03377

						COUNSEL:  NONE

						HEARING DESIRED:  NO 

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM).

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He traveled to Vietnam during 1965-1966, to perform security missions with the Office of Special Investigations (OSI).  

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 5 Feb 48, the applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force.  On 28 Mar 57, he was honorably discharged in the grade of Technical Sergeant (TSgt).  On 29 Mar 57, the applicant was appointed a Second Lieutenant in the Reserve of the Air Force.  He served 22 years and 26 days of total active service (officer and enlisted) and was credited with 5 years, 11 months and 4 days of Foreign Service time.  

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/DP3SP recommends denial, indicating, after a review of the applicant’s official military personnel record, they were unable to verify award of the VSM.  The applicant’s DD Forms 1351-2, Travel Voucher or Subvoucher, dated 11 May 65 and 21 Jul 66, verified 14 nonconsecutive days tour of duty in Vietnam and Thailand.  The reason for the stops on approximately six of the missions in Vietnam and Thailand reflect “awaiting transportation” which means it was just a layover stop until the applicant could catch a flight to his TDY destination.  To grant relief would be contrary to criteria established by DoDM 1348.33, the Secretary of the Air Force, the Chief of Staff, and/or the War Department.  

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 for one, or more, days with an organization participating in or directly supporting ground (military) operations; permanently assigned, attached, or detailed for 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 non-consecutive days.  Those time limitations may be waived for personnel participating in actual combat operations.

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 Apr 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-2015-03377 in Executive Session on 10 Nov 16, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	Panel Chair
	Member
	Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, date is unreadable, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DP3SP, dated 29 Mar 16.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, AFBCMR, dated 8 Apr 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.