RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2015-00216 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His records be corrected to reflect that he received the following medals and ribbon: 1. The Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) (Administratively Resolved). 2. The Vietnam Campaign Medal (VCM). 3. The Air Force Overseas Service Ribbon (AFOR). APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He served in Thailand as an Aircraft Crew Chief from 15 Jul 72 to 7 Jan 73. With the combined total of two deployments he is also entitled to the Overseas Service Ribbon. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 27 Aug 70. On 30 May 78, the applicant was furnished an honorable discharge, and was credited with 7 years, 9 months, and 5 days of active service. On 20 Feb 15, AFPC/DPAPP notified the applicant of their determination that he had “boots on ground” foreign service time at U-Tapao Air Base, Thailand, from 15 Jul 72 to 7 Jan 73, for 5 months and 24 days and Anderson Air Force Base, Guam, from 23 Mar 73 to 14 Sep 73, for 5 months and 23 days. His DD Form 214 was administratively corrected to reflect 11 months and 7 days of foreign service. 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 of the VCM and the AFOR, indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice. The VCM 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 VSM during the period of service required are considered to have contributed direct combat support to the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces; or, did not complete 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 73-28 Mar 73. The applicant’s time of service in Thailand for 5 months and 24 days does not meet the criteria of an aggregate of six months in the area of eligibility for award of the VCM. The AFOR was authorized by the Chief of Staff, United States Air Force, on 12 Oct 80. The ribbon was authorized to be awarded to Air Force and Air Force Reserve members credited with completion of an overseas tour on or after 1 Sep 80. Only individuals serving on active duty as of 6 Jan 86 are eligible to have the Air Force Overseas Ribbon applied retroactively for completion of an overseas tour. The applicant’s dates of service were prior to the award authorization date for award of the AFOR; additionally, the applicant was not on active duty as of 6 Jan 86 to be eligible for the retroactive award of the Air Force Overseas Ribbon-Long Tour or the Air Force Overseas Ribbon-Short Tour. Based on the review of the applicant’s military personnel record, his eligibility for the following Air Force Medals and/or Ribbons was determined: the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor and four Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters (AFOUA w/V & 4BOLC), the Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star (VSM w/1BSS), and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVNGC w/P). Upon final board decision the record will be administratively corrected. 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 26 Aug 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 timely filed. Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice warranting correction of the applicant’s records to reflect award of the Vietnam Campaign Medal (VCM) or Air Force Overseas Service Ribbon (AFOR). 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 the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice. We note the Air Force OPR has determined the applicant’s eligibility for the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor and four Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters (AFOUA w/V & 4BOLC), the Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star (VSM w/1BSS), and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (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 any 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 members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2015-00216 in Executive Session on 8 Oct 15, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2015-00216 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 15 Jan 15, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 10 Aug 15. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 26 Aug 15.