RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2011-04549 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His records be corrected to reflect he had “boots on the ground” in Vietnam. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: While assigned in Taiwan, he flew temporary duty (TDY) missions to Cam Rahn Bay, Vietnam. His DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge, reflects he received a commendation for service in Vietnam. He needs proof of “boots on the ground” to aid him in receiving disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). In support of his request, the applicant provides a copy of his DD Form 214. The applicant's complete submission, with attachment, is at Exhibit A. _________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: According to the applicant’s military personnel records, he enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 13 Mar 68. The applicant’s performance reports reflect he was assigned to the 314th Organizational Maintenance Squadron, Ching Chuan Kang Air Base, Taiwan from 16 Mar 69 through 25 Jun 70 and that he assisted with missions in direct support of the conflict in Vietnam during this period. On 10 Mar 72, he was released from active duty and credited with 3 years, 11 months, and 28 days of active service, which included 1 year, 7 months, and 21 days of foreign service. His DD Form 214 also reflects he received the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) _________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: HQ AFPC/DPAPP recommends denial, indicating that while the applicant’s performance reports indicate he participated in in- country missions in direct support of Vietnam, they do not specify these missions were in Vietnam. The complete AFPC/DPAPP evaluation is at Exhibit C. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: The applicant provided a timeline of his service in Vietnam in hope that it will help locate records to prove his service in Vietnam (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. Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice to warrant corrective action. We took notice of the applicant’s complete submission, in judging the merits of the case. While we cannot verify the specific dates the applicant was actually in Vietnam, we note that his performance reports during the period in question reflect he participated in in-country missions in direct support of Vietnam. Therefore, we believe it appropriate to resolve any doubt in this matter in his favor and recommend his records be corrected to reflect that he served in Vietnam. Therefore, we recommend that the records be corrected as indicated below. _________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT: The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to the APPLICANT, be corrected to show that he had boots on the ground in the Republic of Vietnam. _________________________________________________________________ The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2011-04549 in Executive Session on 5 Jun 12, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: All members voted to correct the records as recommended. The following documentary evidence was considered: Exhibit A. DD Forms 149, dated 31 Oct 11. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPAPP, dated 10 Jan 12. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 25 Jan 12. Exhibit E. Letter, Applicant, dated 25 Jan 12.