RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-04366 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His records be corrected to reflect all awards he is eligible to receive to include the Republic of Vietnam Service Commemorative. APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He served during the period of eligibility for these awards and wants to be officially recognized for his service. In support of his requests, the applicant provides a copy of his DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: According to the applicant’s DD Form 214, on 6 Nov 61, he entered the Regular Air Force. On 5 Nov 65, the applicant received an honorable discharge, and was credited with four years of active service. He was also credited with 4 months and 10 days of Foreign Service. The Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) is awarded to all service members of the Armed Forces who between 4 Jul 65 and 28 Mar 73, served in the following areas of Southeast Asia: in Vietnam and the contiguous waters and airspace; in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the airspace thereof and in the direct support of military operations in Vietnam. The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVGC w/P) Unit Citation is awarded by the Republic of Vietnam to certain units of the U.S. armed forces for valorous combat achievement during the Vietnam War, 1 Mar 61 to 28 Mar 73. The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (RVCM) is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or Served outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces for an aggregate of six months. Only members of the Armed Forces of the United States who meet the criteria established for the AFEM (Vietnam) or VSM during the period of service required are considered to have contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces; or did not complete the length of service required above, but who, during wartime, were: ? Wounded by the enemy (in a military action); captured by the enemy during action or in the line of duty, but later rescued or released; or killed in action or in the line of duty; or were assigned in Vietnam on 28 Jan 73, and who served a minimum of 60 calendar days in Vietnam during the period 29 Jan 73 to 28 Mar 73. The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are described in the memorandum prepared by the Air Force office of primary responsibility, which is included at Exhibit C. AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSID recommends denial of the applicant’s request for award of the Republic of Vietnam Service Commemorative indicating Commemorative medals, such as the Republic of Vietnam Service Commemorative, are not official awards or decorations of the United States Air Force (USAF) or Department of Defense (DoD) and are not awarded or issued by the United States Government. A review of the applicant’s records revealed that he should have been awarded the Air Force Longevity Service Award (AFLSA) and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (AFOUA) for his service from 6 Nov 61 to 5 Nov 65 and his official military personnel records will be administratively corrected by AFPC/DPSOR. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSID evaluation, with attachments, is at Exhibit C. APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 25 Mar 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. After a thorough review of the available evidence and the applicant’s complete submission, we find that the applicant has not provided sufficient evidence to show that he served in the area of eligibility to warrant award of the VSM, RVGC w/P or the RVCM. Additionally, as noted by the Air Force OPR, commemorative medals are not official awards or decorations of the USAF or DoD and are not awarded or issued by the United States Government. As such, with the exception of the awards that will be administratively added to his records, he is not entitled to any additional awards. Therefore, we conclude that the applicant has failed to sustain his burden of proof that he has been the victim of an error or injustice. In the absence of persuasive evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting the additional 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-2014-04366 in Executive Session on 8 Jul 15 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: , Panel Chair , Member , Member The following documentary evidence was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 15 Oct 14, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSID, dated 24 Dec 14, w/atch. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 25 Mar 15.