RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-04460 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: He receives recognition for classified time in Vietnam. APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: At the time of his release from the Air Force, his Temporary Duty (TDY) assignment to Bien Hoa Vietnam was classified. In support of his request, he provides a personal statement from a fellow airman travelling on the same TDY. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: On 28 Feb 62, the applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force. According to his Enlisted Performance Report for the period 10 Dec 64 through 13 Aug 65, he was temporarily assigned to the 6235th Combat Support Group, AP 96273, for 119 days. APO 96273 is the postal designation for Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand. According to his AF Form 7, Airman Military Record, item 2 Foreign Service states temporary duty to Southeast Asia from 13 Apr 65 to 13 Aug 65 for a total of 122 days. On 31 May 88, the applicant was relieved from active duty and retired, effective 1 Jun 88. He was credited with 22 years, 6 months and 20 days of active service for retirement including 9 years, 8 months and 27 days of foreign-service. AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPAPP recommends disapproval indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice. The information provided by the applicant and his master personnel records did not contain information reflecting he served in Vietnam. The complete DPAPP evaluation is at Exhibit C. AFPC/DPSID recommends disapproval for award of the Vietnam Campaign Medal (VCM). Neither DPSID nor the Air Force Personnel Center, Directorate of Assignments was able to verify the applicant’s service in Vietnam. The applicant has already been awarded the Vietnam Service Medal for his service in Thailand and the medal is only awarded once. The applicant would need approximately two additional months of service in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, or Vietnam to qualify for the VCM. Neither the applicant’s request nor the statement from his fellow airman includes inclusive dates for the alleged service in Vietnam. To grant relief would be contrary to the criterial established by DoDM 1348.33, Manual of Military Decorations and Awards, the Secretary of the Air Force, the Chief of Staff, and/or the War Department. The Vietnam Campaign Medal is awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces who, between 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73 served for six months in South Vietnam, or, served outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces for an aggregate of six months. Only members of the United States Armed Forces who meet the criteria established for the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal or the Vietnam Service Medal during the period of service required are considered to have contributed direct combat support to the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces; or, did not completed the length of service required, 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, killed in action or in the line of duty; or were assigned in Vietnam on 28 Jan 73, and served in Vietnam for the entire period between 29 Jan 73 to 28 Mar 73. However; based on DPSID’s review of the applicant’s official military personnel record, they were able to determine that the below Air Force Medals and/or Ribbons should have been awarded during the applicant’s service from 28 Feb 62 to 31 May 88 and were not reflected in his records. Upon final board decision, administrative correction of the applicant’s official military personnel record will be completed by AFPC/DPSOR: *Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star (VSM w/1BSS) *Korean Defense Service Medal (KDSM) *Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVNGC w/P) The complete DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit D. APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 29 May 15 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit E). 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 warranting correction of the applicant’s records to reflect his entitlement to the VCM. We took notice of the applicant's complete submission, including a personal statement from a fellow airman with pictures from a temporary duty assignment and a Special Order directing participation in an operational mission, in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice. We note that AFPC/DPSID has determined the applicant’s eligibility for the VSM w/1BSS, KDSM and RVNGC w/P and will correct his records administratively. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting relief beyond that rendered administratively. 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 documentary evidence pertaining AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-04460 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 29 Oct 14, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Memorandum, AFPC/DPAPP, dated 13 Jan 15. Exhibit D. Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 16 Mar 15. Exhibit E. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 29 May 15.