RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2017-02931

XXXXXXXXXXXXX	COUNSEL:  NONE
	
	HEARING:  NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to reflect boots on ground in Vietnam.

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He received multiple medals that were awarded to him for his service in Vietnam.  The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant is a retired Air Force Master Sergeant.  For more information, see the excerpt of the applicant’s record at Exhibit B and the advisory at Exhibit C.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DP3AM recommends denying the application.  A review of his Master Personnel Record and documentation submitted failed to substantiate foreign service time in the Republic of Vietnam.  The complete advisory is at Exhibit C.

APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The Board sent a copy of the Air Force evaluation to the applicant on 11 Jul 18 for comment (Exhibit D), and the applicant replied on 8 Aug 18.  In his response, the applicant contended his pay records would support his temporary duty assignments flying over Vietnam as a maintenance technician with the aircrew.  The applicant’s complete response is at Exhibit E.

THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

1.  The application was timely filed.

2.  The applicant exhausted all available avenues of non-judicial relief before applying to the Board.

3.   After thoroughly reviewing all Exhibits, it is the Board’s opinion the applicant is the victim of an error and injustice.  While the Board notes the comments of AFPC/DP3AM indicating relief should be denied, the Board believes a preponderance of the evidence substantiates the applicant’s contentions.  Based on the applicant’s receipt of the Vietnam Campaign Medal, we believe the applicant more likely than not had boots on ground in Vietnam.  Therefore, the Board recommends correcting the applicant’s records as indicated below.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to the APPLICANT be corrected to show he had boots-on-the-ground in Vietnam within the time period of 23 February 1968 and 1 October 1968.

CERTIFICATION:

The following quorum of the Board, as defined in Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2603, Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR), paragraph 1.5, considered Docket Number BC-2017-02931 in Executive Session on 11 Sep 18:

, Panel Chair
, Panel Member
, Panel Member

All members voted to correct the record.  The panel considered the following:

Exhibit A:	Application, DD Form 149, dated 27 Mar 17.
Exhibit B:	Documentary evidence, including relevant excerpts from official records.
Exhibit C:	Advisory opinion, AFPC/DP3AM, dated 22 Jun 18.
Exhibit D:	Notification of Advisory, SAF/MRBC to applicant, dated 11 Jul 18.
Exhibit E:	Applicant Response, dated 8 Aug 18.

Taken together with all Exhibits, this document constitutes the true and complete Record of Proceedings required by AFI 36-2603, paragraph 4.11.9.