RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2016-03501

						COUNSEL:  NONE

HEARING DESIRED:  NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

1.  He be credited with Boots on Ground (BOG) in Vietnam.

2.  Award of the Purple Heart (PH) medal.

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

In 1965, he was sent on a temporary duty (TDY) assignment to Vietnam for 25 days.  Although he was his parents’ only surviving son, he volunteered to go to Southeast Asia because it was the right thing to do.

His right hand was injured when he fell during a mortar attack upon arrival in Vietnam and should qualify him for the PH.

The applicant did not submit documentation showing he had applied to and been denied by the Purple Heart Review Board (PHRB).  The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 7 Jun 62.

On 5 Jun 70, the applicant was furnished an honorable discharge, and was credited with 8 years and 13 days of active service, to include 10 months and 21 days of foreign and/or sea service.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DP3AM recommends denial, indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice.  A review of the applicant’s Master Personnel Records and the documentation provided failed to substantiate he had Foreign Service time in Vietnam.

A complete copy of the AFPC/DP3AM evaluation is at Exhibit C.

APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

By letter dated 7 Oct 17, the applicant states he was sent TDY to Vietnam twice (Tan Son Nhut and Danang); however, he only has orders sending him to Tan Son Nhut.  At the time of his discharge, he failed to ensure his Vietnam service was noted in his records.  He has developed several medical conditions that he believes are the results of being exposed to Agent Orange.

In support of his response, the applicant provides copies of His DD Form 214, Special Order T-29, and AF Form 899, Permanent Change of Station Order. 

A complete copy of the applicant’s rebuttal, with attachments, is at Exhibit E.

THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

1.  The applicant did not exhaust all available avenues of non-judicial relief before applying to the Board.

2.  The application was not timely filed.

3.  After thoroughly reviewing all the material of record, including the applicant’s submissions, the Board is unable to conclude the applicant is the victim of error or injustice.  Regarding his request for “boots on ground” credit in Vietnam, there is insufficient support for the applicant’s contention.  Although he has provided a TDY order, the order is not sufficient.  Orders are cancelled often enough that the Board has typically required further evidence, such as a paid travel voucher.  The Board notes the applicant’s Form 7, included as part of his Master Personnel Record, documents his time in Thailand and Guam, but not Vietnam.  Regarding the applicant’s request for the PH, the Board notes the applicant has not applied to the PHRB.  The Board for Correction of Military Records is the highest administrative level of appeal within the Air Force.  An applicant must first exhaust all available avenues of administrative relief provided by existing law or regulations before seeking relief from this Board.  In the absence of documentation showing a denial at the PHRB, the Board finds this application not ripe for adjudication at this level.  Therefore, the Board finds no basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The applicant be informed all available avenues of administrative relief have not been exhausted, and the application will only be reconsidered upon receipt of documentary evidence indicating that such avenues of administrative relief have been exhausted.

The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2016-03501 in Executive Session on 15 Mar 18 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603, Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records:

	, Panel Chair
	, Member
	, Member

All members voted not to correct the records.  The panel considered the following documentary evidence:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 26 Aug 16, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Excerpts from Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DP3AM, dated 22 Sep 17.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, AFBCMR, dated 26 Sep 17.
	Exhibit E.  Applicant’s Rebuttal, dated 27 Oct 17, w/atchs.

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.