RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2016-04358

	COUNSEL: NONE

	HEARING: NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge, be corrected to reflect award of the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) and the Vietnam Campaign Medal (VCM).

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He served in Vietnam (Saigon) around the Feb/Mar 64 time frame as a radio operator  The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Per Standard Form 609, Chronological Order of Medical Care, the applicant was seen at the 33d USAF Dispensary, Tan Son Nhut AB, Vietnam on 27 Apr 64, 28 Apr 64, and 6 May 64.

Per AF Form 909, reporting dates of 5 Jun 63 through 2 Oct 64, states “he was assigned to the 605th Tac Con Sq on 30 Jan 64, and that shortly after his arrival he was sent on TDY to Southeast Asia for approximately 21 days.”  In addition, “he returned to the 605th TCS on 5 Sep 64.”

Per AF Form 909, A1C, A2C, A3C and AB Performance Report, reporting dates of 3 Oct 64 through 25 May 65, states “twice while on TDY status in Southeast Asia.”

Per AF Form 7, Airman Military Record, under the Foreign Service section, it states 25 May 66, he served on Temporary Duty (TDY) for 148 days.  Under the Foreign Service Summary, it also states the he was TDY on 19 Jan 67 for an additional 77 days. 

On 26 Sep 66, per the applicant’s Semi-Annual Selective Reenlistment Record, it states AMN presently TDY.

Per AF Form 909, A1C, A2C, A3C and AB Performance Report, reporting dates of 26 May 65 through 25 May 66, it states “recently deployed to assist in operating the MSQ-10 in support of Air Weather Service.”

On 5 Jun 67, the applicant was furnished an honorable discharge as an Air Force airman first class and was credited with 4 years of active service to include 1 year, 11 months, and 20 days foreign and/or sea service.  

On 03 Oct 17, AFPC/DP3AM issues a “boots on ground” letter for the Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of Vietnam. (See Exhibit D).

For more information, see the excerpt of the applicant’s record at Exhibit B and the advisories at Exhibit C and Exhibit D.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DP3SP has completed administrative corrections for the following awards:
	
	1) Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with One Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster (AFOUA w/1BOLC),

	2) Air Force Good Conduct Medal (AFGCM), and

	3) Air Force Longevity Service Award (AFLSA).

AFPC/DP3SP recommends the Board make a decision based on the merits of the case.  AFPC/DP3SP was able to verify foreign service in Vietnam; however, they were unable to determine exact dates.  It appears evident that the applicant served in the area of responsibility for award of the Vietnam Service Medal; however, inclusive dates are undeterminable.  If the Board finds in favor of the applicant, the Board will need to determine the inclusive dates so that AFPC/DP3SP is able to determine how many Bronze Service Stars to the Vietnam Service Medal he is eligible for in accordance with which campaigns he served.  Additionally, if the Board determines the applicant served an aggregate of 6 months, then he is also eligible for award of the Vietnam Campaign Medal.  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 13 Dec 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 that the applicant is not the victim of an error or injustice beyond the administrative relief provided.  While the Board notes AFPC/DP3AM was able to determine the applicant served in the area of responsibility; however, the inclusive dates are undeterminable.  Since the dates are undeterminable, the Board cannot determine if the applicant meets the criteria for either the VSM or VCM.  Therefore, the Board recommends against correcting the applicant’s records.  However, should the applicant provide copies of paid travel vouchers or other evidence to support his requests, the Board may be willing to reconsider his application.

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-2016-04358 in Executive Session on 20 Jun 18:

, Panel Chair
, Panel Member
, Panel Member

The panel considered the following:

Exhibit A:	Application, DD Form 149, w/atchs, dated 28 Oct 16.
Exhibit B:	Documentary evidence, including relevant excerpts from official records.
Exhibit C:	Advisory opinion, AFPC/DP3AM, dated 03 Oct 17.
Exhibit D:	Advisory opinion, AFPC/DP3SP, w/atchs, dated 29 Nov 17.
Exhibit E:	Notification of Advisory, SAF/MRBC to applicant, dated 13 Dec 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.