RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:				DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-02427
INDEX CODE:  107.00
								COUNSEL: NO

								HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: 

His records be corrected to show the addition of the “V” device for valor to his already-awarded Bronze Star Medal (BSM).
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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He earned the “V” device on 1 January 1968 in Saigon.  It has been 35 years since Vietnam and he needs VA assistance but they tell him the Bronze Star is a “country club membership” unless it has a “V” device.  He believes his performance under fire during TET 68 deserves the “V” device.

In support of his application, the applicant provides copies of his DD Form 214s and a nine-page “Stressor Letter” of his tour in Vietnam.  The applicant’s submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 5 November 1963, the applicant was appointed a second lieutenant, Reserve of the Air Force and was voluntarily ordered to extended active duty.  Records reflect an overseas tour in Vietnam for the period 13 August 1967 through 11 August 1968 with assignment to Tan Son Nhut AB, Republic of Vietnam.  On 15 February 1969, he was released from extended active duty in the grade of captain and transferred to the Air Force Reserve.  He had served 5 years, 3 months and 11 days on active duty of which 11 months, and 29 days was foreign service.  He had been awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in ground operations against an opposing armed force from 15 August 1967 to 10 July 1968.  In addition he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze star and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force Reserve on 7 June 1973.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommends disapproval.  DPPPR states there is no evidence in the applicant’s record that he was awarded the BSM for valor.  The “V” device is awarded if the medal was awarded for heroism in combat.  The DPPPR evaluation is at Exhibit C.  

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Applicant states he only applied for a “V” device because he felt he deserved it and the VA made light of the BS without it.  He is not applying for another BS.  He was in combat and hostile fire was everywhere.  The applicant’s rebuttal, with attachments, is at Exhibit E.

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THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

1.  The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by existing law or regulations.

2.  The application was not timely filed; however, it is in the interest of justice to excuse the failure to timely file.

3.  Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice.  We took notice of the applicant’s contention that he should have been awarded the “V” device along with the Bronze Star Medal (BSM) for his performance under fire during TET 68.  The applicant was awarded the BSM for the period 15 August 1967 to 10 July 1968 and, in the absence of evidence showing otherwise, we believe this was the recognition intended for his service while in the Republic of Vietnam.  Other than his own assertions, the applicant has provided no information that was unavailable to the recommending and approving officials for the award or showing his actions, in fact, met the criteria for award of the “V” device.  While we appreciate and honor the applicant’s service to his country, absent persuasive evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application.

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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of probable material error or injustice; that the application was denied without a personal appearance; and that the application will only be reconsidered upon the submission of newly discovered relevant evidence not considered with this application.

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The following members of the Board considered this application in Executive Session on 14 October 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence for AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2004-02427 was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 29 Jul 04, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 26 Aug 04.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 3 Sep 04.
    Exhibit E.  Letter, Applicant, dated 8 Sep 04.