RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2016-02861

	COUNSEL:  NONE
	
	HEARING:  NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to reflect award of the:

	Vietnam Service Medal (administratively corrected)
	Vietnam Campaign Medal.

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was not aware he could receive these medals in place of the National Defense Service Medal, nor was he offered a chance to receive these medals.  The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant is a former Air Force Sergeant.  On 20 Sep 17, AFPC/DP3AM advised the applicant that they were able to confirm his boots on ground in Thailand, and the foreign service time reflected on his DD Form 214, Report of Separation from Active Duty is correct (Exhibit C).  For more information, see the excerpt of the applicant’s record at Exhibit B and the advisory at Exhibit D.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DP3SP recommends denying the application.  The applicant did not serve the aggregate six months in Vietnam required for award of the Vietnam Campaign Medal; however, upon final board decision, the applicant’s records will be administratively corrected to reflect award of the Vietnam Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.  The complete advisory is at Exhibit D.

APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The Board sent a copy of the Air Force evaluation to the applicant on 27 Nov 17 for comment (Exhibit E), but has received no response.

THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

1.  The application was timely filed.

2.  The applicant exhausted all available avenues of non-judicial relief before applying to the Board.

3.   After thoroughly reviewing all Exhibits, it is the Board’s opinion the applicant is not the victim of an error or injustice.  The Board concurs with the rationale and recommendation of AFPC/DP3SP and finds a preponderance of the evidence does not substantiate the applicant’s contentions.  Therefore, aside from the aforementioned administrative correction, the Board recommends against correcting the applicant’s records.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The applicant be informed the evidence did not demonstrate material error or injustice, and the application will only be reconsidered upon receipt of relevant evidence not already considered by the Board.

CERTIFICATION:

The following quorum of the Board, as defined in Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2603, Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR), paragraph 1.5, considered Docket Number BC-2016-02861 in Executive Session on 22 May 18:

, Panel Chair
, Panel Member
, Panel Member

All members voted not to correct the record.  The panel considered the following:

Exhibit A:	Application, DD Form 149, w/atch, dated 14 Jun 16.
Exhibit B:	Documentary evidence, including relevant excerpts from official records.
Exhibit C:	Letter, AFPC/DP3AM, dated 20 Sep 17.
Exhibit D:	Advisory opinion, AFPC/DP3SP, dated 09 Nov 17.
Exhibit E:	Notification of Advisory, SAF/MRBC to applicant, dated 27 Nov 17.

Taken together with all Exhibits, this document constitutes the true and complete Record of Proceedings, Docket Number BC-2016-02861, required by AFI 36-2603, paragraph 4.11.9.