RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2011-00904 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His records be corrected to show he is entitled to the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM). ADMINISTRATIVELY CORRECTED He be awarded the Air Medal (AM). ADMINISTRATIVELY CORRECTED He be awarded any additional Air Medals. ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He is entitled to wear the above listed awards because he served in the Air Force and flew on missions to Vietnam. In support of his request, the applicant submits a copy of his DD Form 214 Report of Separation from Active Duty, his AF Form 7 Airman Military Record, an Air Medal citation dated 29 May 1974, copies of air performance reports and an undated historical excerpt on the C-133 exercises/mission. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at exhibit A. _________________ ______________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 6 January 1949. He was progressively promoted to the grade of Master sergeant, E-7. He retired on 31 January 1975 and was credited with serving 26 years, and 25 days of active duty service. The applicant’s DD Form 214 does not reflect award of either a VSM or AM. By letter, dated 31 October 2011, AFPC/DPAPP, advised the applicant they had verified and confirmed his foreign service at Pleiku, Republic of Vietnam, but were unable to determine the exact amount of time served at this location. DPAPP requested that the applicant provide, within 30 days, any documentation available that gives proof of the amount of time he spent at the location. By letter, dated 2 December 2011, AFPC/DPSIDR, advised the applicant they had verified his entitlement to the VSM with 1 Bronze Service Star (BSS) and the AM. The applicant’s record will be updated to reflect these awards and decorations. Unfortunately, they are unable to verify his entitlement to an additional AM. _______________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial. DPSIDR states after a complete review of the applicant’s military personnel record (MPR) they must recommend denial of the applicant’s claim for award of any additional AMs. The complete AFPC/DPSIDR 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 16 December 2011 for review and comment within 30 days. As of this date, no response has been received by this office. ________________________________________________________________ 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 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 and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion that relief beyond that already granted administratively is not warranted. 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 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. ________________________________________________________________ The following members of the Board considered this application BC-2011-00904 in Executive Session on 24 January 2012, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: Panel Chair Member Member The following documentary evidence was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 28 February 2011, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 2 December 2011. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 16 December 2011. Panel Chair