RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2013-02989 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His records be corrected to reflect he served in the Republic of Vietnam. ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He was in Vietnam on two occasions, but he does not have any documentation to support it. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachment, is at Exhibit A. ________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant’s military personnel records indicate that he enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 9 Aug 55. According to the applicant’s DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge, dated 8 Aug 59, he was credited with 11 months and 23 days of foreign service. On 31 Aug 77, the applicant was released from active duty upon qualifying for retirement and was credited with 22 years and 14 days of total active service. ________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPAPP recommends denial indicating that a review of the applicant’s master personnel records and documentation submitted failed to substantiate foreign service time in Vietnam. However, they were able to verify and confirm foreign service in Taiwan. 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 23 Aug 13 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. We took notice of the applicant’s complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we are not convinced the applicant is the victim of an error or injustice. While the applicant contends that he was in the Republic of Vietnam on two occasions during his service, there is no direct evidence in his comprehensive military personnel record that specifically indicates that he should be credited with Vietnam service. While we note that he provided documentation indicating he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM), it is possible to qualify for the VSM and have never served in the Republic of Vietnam. Instead, his records indicate that he performed duties in Taiwan, which, under certain circumstances, was qualifying service for the VSM. 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-2013-02989 in Executive Session on 18 Mar 14, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: , Panel Chair , Member , Member The following documentary evidence was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 17 Jun 13, w/atch. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPAPP, dated 17 Jul 13. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 23 Aug 13. 2 3