RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2016-03071

	COUNSEL: NONE

	HEARING: NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Vietnam Campaign Medal (VCM).

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

His DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge, should be changed to reflect award of the VCM so he can be eligible for Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) health care.

The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant was discharged from the Air Force on 23 Jun 69.  For more information, see the excerpt of the applicant’s record at Exhibit B and the advisory at Exhibit C.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DP3SP recommends denying the application.  After a thorough review of the applicant’s military personnel record, they were unable to verify award of the VCM.  The applicant’s service in Vietnam was less than the aggregate of six months required.  However, they were able to determine the following medals/ribbons should have been awarded during his service between 12 Sep 67 and 23 Jun 69, and were not reflected in his record.  Upon final board decision, administrative correction to his record will be completed:

a.	Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars (VSM w/2BSS).

b.	Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVNGC w/P).

The complete advisory is at Exhibit C.

APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The Board sent a copy of the Air Force evaluation to the applicant on 6 Jan 17 for comment (Exhibit D), but has received no response.

THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

1.  The application was not timely filed, but it is in the interest of justice to excuse the delay.

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 that the applicant is not the victim of an error and injustice.  The Board concurs with the rationale and recommendation of AFPC/DP3SP and finds that a preponderance of the evidence does not substantiate the applicant’s contentions.  Therefore, the Board recommends against correcting the applicant’s records beyond that rendered administratively.

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-2016-03071 in Executive Session on 8 May 18:

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

Exhibit A:	Application, DD Form 149, w/atchs, dated 25 Jul 16.
Exhibit B:	Documentary evidence, including relevant excerpts from official records.
Exhibit C:	Advisory opinion, AFPC/DP3SP, dated 9 Dec 16.
Exhibit D:	Notification of Advisory, SAF/MRBC to applicant, dated 6 Jan 17.

Taken together with all Exhibits, this document constitutes the true and complete Record of Proceedings required by AFI 36-2603, paragraph 4.11.9, pertaining to . Docket Number BC-2016-03071.