RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2015-03718

						COUNSEL:  NONE

						HEARING DESIRED:  NO 

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, issued on 31 Aug 91, in conjunction with his 1 Sep 91 retirement, be corrected to reflect the following:

a.  Vietnam Service Medal (VSM).

	b.  Foreign Service time in Thailand.  (Administratively Corrected)

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

The error is denying him proper recognition for service to his country.  

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 31 Aug 91, the applicant was furnished an honorable discharge, and was credited with 20 years and 12 days of active service.  He was credited with 4 years, 11 months and 26 days of Foreign Service.   

On 5 Feb 16, AFPC/DPAPP notified the applicant that after a review of his official military record and the documentation provided, they were able to verify and confirm boots on ground Foreign Service time at Korat Air Base, Thailand, from 10 Aug 73 to 15 Dec 74, for 1 year, 4 months and 6 days.  

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 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.  

DPAPP was able to verify the applicant’s service at Korat Air  Base, Thailand during the period 10 Aug 73 to 15 Dec 74; however, his dates of service in Thailand are past the award inclusive period for award of the VSM.

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.

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 6 May 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 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-2015-03718 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 20 Aug 15, w/atch.
	Exhibit B.  Pertinent Excerpts from Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DP3SP, dated 8 Apr 16.
	Exhibit D.  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.