RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2015-04986 COUNSEL:	NONE
HEARING DESIRED:	NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
His DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States - Report of Transfer or Discharge, block 24, Decorations, Medals, Badges, Commendations, Citations and Campaigns Ribbons Awarded or Authorized be corrected to add the following:

a.	National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) (will be administratively corrected).

b.	Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 device (VCM w/60 devices)[sic]
c.	Good Conduct Medal (GCM).

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
He never had a reason to review his DD Form 214 until recently and noticed the missing medals were omitted. He served his time and needs his permanent record corrected for his children and grandchildren.

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:
The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 9 Apr 65. On 3 March 1971, he was honorably discharged and was credited with
4 years, 3 months and 15 days of active service. He was credited with 5 months and 14 days of Foreign 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.

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY – PRIVACY ACT OF 1974

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DP3SP recommends denial of the applicant’s request for the VCM, indicating the applicant’s DD Form 214, reflects he was only credited with 5 months and 14 days of Foreign Service time; therefore, making him ineligible for award of the VCM. The VCM is awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces, who, between
1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73 served for six 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 six months. Therefore, because the applicant was only credited with 5 months and 14 days of foreign service, there was no way he could have qualified for the VCM.

As for this request for the GCM, his dates of service render him ineligible for award of the GCM, which is awarded to enlisted members who have honorably completed three continuous years of active military service subsequent to 26 Aug 40, and who are recommended by their commanding officers for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity. This medal is only awarded to Airman prior to establishment of AFGCM on 1 Jun 63. In accordance with Executive Order 8809, amended by Executive Order 9323, the GCM may also be awarded to service members who complete more than one year but less than three years of active federal military service if the AFGCM has not been previously awarded.

DP3SP was able to verify the applicant’s entitlement to the AFGCM, NDSM, Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) with two Bronze Service Stars (VSM w/2BSS), and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVMGC w/P) for his service from 9 Apr 65 through 18 Jun 69, and was not reflected in his records. Upon final determination by the Board, DP2STM will administratively correct the applicant’s records.

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

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 21 Jun 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.
1.	

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 and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice. Therefore, aside from the administrative corrections noted above, we find no basis to recommend granting the additional 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-2015-04986 in Executive Session on 9 Mar 17, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

Panel Chair Member Member

The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2015-04986 was considered:

Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 18 Nov 15, w/atch. Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C.	Memorandum, AFPC/DP3SP, dated 12 Jun 16, w/atch. Exhibit D.	Letter, AFBCMR, dated DD 21 Jun 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.