RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2015-03618

						COUNSEL:  NONE

						HEARING DESIRED:  NO 

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, Block 26, Decorations, Medals, Badges, Commendations, Citations and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized, be corrected to reflect the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM).

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was on a Temporary Duty (TDY) assignment from Kadena Air Base, Japan to Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand in 1972 and was awarded the VSM; however, it was never updated on his DD Form 214.

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 23 Nov 71, the applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force.

On 21 Nov 75, the applicant was furnished an honorable discharge, and was credited with 3 years, 11 months and 29 days of active service.  He was credited with 1 year, 5 months and 29 days of Foreign Service time.   

According to DoDM 1348.33, Vol 3, Manual of Military Decorations and Awards:  DoD-Wide performance and Valor Awards; Foreign Awards; Military Awards to Foreign Personnel and US Public Health Service Officers; and Miscellaneous Information, The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVNGC w/P) is awarded by the Republic of Vietnam to units for valorous combat achievements. 

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPAPP recommends denial indicating a review of the applicant’s master personnel records and documentation submitted failed to provide any documents that substantiate foreign service time in Thailand.

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

AFPC/DP3SP recommends denial indicating a review of the applicant’s military personnel records failed to substantiate award of the VSM.  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.  

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.

Based on a review of the applicant’s official military personnel records, DP3SP was able to determine that the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (AFOUA) and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVNGC w/P) should have been awarded during the applicant’s service from 23 Nov 71 to 21 Nov 75, and was not reflected in his records.  DP2STM will administratively correct the applicant’s record.

A complete copy of the AFPC/DP3SP evaluation, with attachment, is attached at Exhibit D.

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 6 May 16, for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit E).  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 Offices of Primary Responsibility (OPRs) and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion that relief beyond that already granted administratively is not warranted.   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-2015-03618 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, dated 18 Aug 15, w/atch.
	Exhibit B.  Pertinent Excerpts from Personnel Record.  
Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPAPP, dated 4 Feb 16.
	Exhibit D.  Memorandum, AFPC/DP3SP, dated 11 Apr 16, w/atch.
	Exhibit E.  Letter, AFBCMR, dated 6 May 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.