RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2011-01100 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge be corrected to reflect his two tours in the Republic of Vietnam and his awarded medals. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: Numerous efforts have been made to correct his records. Some medals were presented and taken back for ceremonial use. The rest of the medals were lost with the exception of the Air Force Commendation Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster (AFCM 1 bronze OLC). In support of his request, the applicant provides copies of his DD Form 214; NA Form 13038, Certification of Military Service; AF For 899, Request and Authorization for Permanent Change of Station-Military; special orders, award citations and certificates. The applicant's complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. _________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: According to available records, the applicant served in the Air Force from 11 Mar 66 to 15 Aug 70. The applicant’s DD Form 214 does not reflect any decorations, medals, badges, commendations, citations or campaign ribbons awarded or authorized. AFPC has verified the applicant’s entitlement to the Bronze Star Medal, Air Force Commendation with 1 bronze OLC, Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one silver star and three bronze service stars, Air Force Longevity Service Award, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal. The applicant’s records will be updated to reflect these awards. The AM is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the armed forces of the U.S., subsequent to 8 September 1939, distinguishes himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement while participating in an aerial flight. _________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: HQ AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial. DPSIDR states the documentation provided by the applicant from Headquarters Seventh Air Force, signed by the Chief of the Awards Branch, reflects he was to be the recipient of the AM, which he notates “never received”, however without a special order to verify the applicant’s entitlement to the AM, they must recommend disapproval. The complete DPSIDR evaluation, with attachment is at Exhibit C. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: The applicant states no mention was made of his first Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM) that was awarded for his service in Vietnam. Nowhere has he been given credit for the basic AFCM or his time in Vietnam, except the pay for the Bronze Star. The Department of the Air Force letter to his next assignment indicated the AM was included in his orders. He has tried for over 40 years to have this rectified and would like to have it done before his death. The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit E. _________________________________________________________________ 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 requests his DD Form 214 be corrected to reflect his two tours in the Republic of Vietnam. We note the Air Force office of primary responsibility (OPR) has stated the applicant’s record will be administratively corrected to reflect he was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal for his tours in Vietnam. Regarding his request for his first AFCM awarded for his service in Vietnam, as previously stated, the Air Force OPR was able to verify the applicant’s entitlement and will administratively correct his records to reflect the Air Force Commendation medal with 1 bronze OLC for his service in Vietnam from 17 Aug 67 thru 20 Jul 68 and 17 Sep 69 thru 98 Sep 70. We also note the applicant has provided undated documentation addressed to the 3636 Combat Training Wing, Fairchild Washington that states “The citation for the Air Medal for sustained activity is included in the awarding special order.” Unfortunately, without evidence, such as the awarding special order to substantiate his entitlement, we find no basis to recommend granting the requested relief. Therefore, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force OPR and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice. We are not unmindful of the applicant’s service to our Nation; however, 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 Docket Number BC-2011-01100 in Executive Session on 3 Nov 11, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: Panel Chair Member Member The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Dcocket Number BC-2011-01100 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 18 Feb 11, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. HQ AFPC/DPSIDR, Letter, dated 27 Apr 11, w/atch. Exhibit D. SAF/MRBR, Letter, dated 20 May 11. Exhibit E. Applicant’s Response, Letter, dated 26 May 11, w/atchs. Panel Chair