RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-04092 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 include the award of the following Air Force Medals and/or Ribbons: a. Korean Service Medal (KSM) b. Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: The award of the Korea Service Medal was announced after his retirement date and he would like his record updated to reflect this medal. He was assigned to the Studies and Observation Group, United States Military Assistance, Vietnam between 25 May 68 and 18 Jan 69. This assignment should have earned him the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation. The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 17 Oct 44. Between Oct 59 and Oct 60 the applicant served in Korea. Between May 68 and Jan 69 the applicant served in Vietnam. On 30 Jun 70, the applicant retired from active duty and was credited with 20 years, 5 months, and 29 days of active service. The applicant’s DD Form 214 reflects the following Air Force Medals and/or Ribbons: - Bronze Star - Meritorious Service Medal - Air Force Commendation Medal - Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal - Good Conduct Medal - Armed Forces Reserve Medal - National Defense Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star - Vietnam Service Medal - Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal - Air Force Longevity Service Award with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters - Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon - Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster - World-War II Victory Medal - Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm - Staff Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam - American Campaign Medal The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are contained in the memorandum prepared by the Air Force office of primary responsibility (OPR), which is attached at Exhibit C. AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSID recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice. The KSM is awarded to personnel who were assigned or attached to combat or service units designated by the Commander, Far East Air Forces, in general orders for service within the Korean Theater or adjacent areas between 27 June 50 and 27 July 54. The Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Unit Citation was awarded by the Republic of Vietnam to recognize the achievements or service of units serving in the Vietnam military operation. The requirements for the award are the same as those for the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation. The award is made to a unit or can be awarded to an individual. After a thorough review of the applicant’s official military personnel record, they confirm the applicant’s Korean service dates render him ineligible for award of the Korean Service Medal. They were also unable to locate any official documentation, nor did the applicant provide any, to show he was either individually awarded or assigned to a unit that was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Medal. They did determine that the below Air Force Medal and/or Ribbon should have been awarded: - Korean Defense Service Medal Upon final Board decision, administrative correction of the applicant’s records will be completed by AFPC/DPSOR. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSID 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 6 Apr 15 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit D). 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 an 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 (OPR) 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 requested relief. 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-2014-04092 in Executive Session on 18 Aug 15 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: , Panel Chair , Member , Member The following documentary evidence pertaining AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-04092 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 2 Oct 14. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 16 Feb 15. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 6 Apr 15.