RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-02429
		INDEX NUMBER:  107.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was in Vietnam between 1962 and 1964 with the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing (TAC).  Due to the secrecy of the missions he has no records to support his claim.

In support of his request, applicant provided a copy of his       DD Form 214 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge).

Applicant’s complete submission, with attachment, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 21 Mar 57.  He was honorably discharged on 20 Jul 59.  He reenlisted on 21 Jul 59 and was discharged on 7 May 65 for unfitness, with a general discharge.  He was credited with a total of 8 years, 1 month, and 17 days of active military service.  

He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.

The Foreign Service on AF Form 7 (Airman’s Military Record) reflects he was assigned in Iwo Jima from 25 Sep 57 – 24 Aug 58, Japan from 25 Aug 58 – 25 Aug 60, and Okinawa from 30 Jun 62 –     5 Dec 64.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPAPP recommended denial and states, in part, there are no source documents confirming service in Vietnam in his records.  Applicant was asked to provide documentation to confirm the missions into Vietnam.  To date he has not responded.

A complete copy of the evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 1 Oct 04, a copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant for review and response within 30 days.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office.  (Exhibit D)

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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.  The applicant’s contentions are duly noted; however, without documentation showing specific times and locations of duty in Vietnam, we are unable to verify his entitlement to the Vietnam Service Medal.  Therefore, in the absence of 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 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 Docket Number BC‑2004-02429 in Executive Session on 17 November 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36‑2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 27 Jul 04, w/atch.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPAPP, dated 24 Sep 04, w/atch.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 1 Oct 04.