RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2010-02214 XXXXXXX COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His records be corrected to reflect he served in the Republic of Vietnam and he be credited with the appropriate awards and decorations. ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: Information regarding his service with the 1964th Communications Group in the Republic of Vietnam has been declassified since the time of his discharge. By amendment, he contends he was permanently assigned to his unit in Saigon, Republic of Vietnam. He landed in Tan Son Nhut AB and his passport was stamped "Republic of Vietnam." He also received dental care in the base dental clinic. Sometime later he was transferred to Thailand. In support of his request, the applicant provides a copy of his permanent change of station (PCS) orders regarding his assignment to the 1964th Communications Group. The applicant's complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. _________________ ______________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant's military personnel records indicate he enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 26 Oct 60 in the grade of airman basic (E-1) for a period of four years. He was progressively promoted to the grade of airman first class (E-4), effective and with a date of rank of 1 Feb 63. On 25 Mar 64, he was honorably discharged at the completion of his required active service and was credited with three years and five months of total active service. On 21 Sep 10, AFPC/DPAPP notified the applicant they were able to confirm his foreign service at Don Muang AB, Thailand from 4 Apr 63 through 21 Mar 64, however; they were unable to verify that he served in the Republic of Vietnam and requested additional information from him to substantiate his claim. On 16 Nov 10, AFPC/DPSIDR notified the applicant of their determination of his entitlement to the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) with 1 Bronze Service Star (BSS) and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (RVNCM) based on his service in Thailand. The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are contained in the letter prepared by the appropriate office of the Air Force, which is attached at Exhibit C. ________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPAPP recommends denial, indicating there is no evidence of an error or injustice. A thorough review of the information provided and the applicant's records reveals no official documents that support his claim he served in the Republic of Vietnam. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPAPP evaluation is at Exhibit C. ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 7 Jan 11 for review and comment within 30 days. As of this date, no response has been received by this office (Exhibit D). ________________________________________________________________ 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 an error or injustice with respect to the applicant's request for credit for service in the Republic of Vietnam. We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility (OPR) and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice. We note the Air Force OPR was able to verify the applicant's entitlement to the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) with one bronze service star (w/1 BSS) and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (RVNCM) based on his service in Thailand and will correct his records administratively. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application. ________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT: The applicant be notified the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of material error or injustice; the application was denied without a personal appearance; and the application will only be reconsidered upon the submission of newly discovered relevant evidence not considered with this application. ________________________________________________________________ The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2010-02214 in Executive Session on 1 Mar 11, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: The following documentary evidence was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 25 May 10. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPAPP, dated 15 Oct 10. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 7 Jan 11.