RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2019-05038

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx	COUNSEL:  NONE
	
	HEARING REQUESTED:  NO

APPLICANT’S REQUEST

Correction of his DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge, to reflect award of the Vietnam Campaign Medal (sic).

APPLICANT’S CONTENTIONS

The applicant was never awarded the Vietnam Campaign Medal (sic).  He served in direct support operations for the Vietnam War, under definition of the medal “serving outside the geographical limits and contributed to direct combat support to the RVN armed force for an aggregate of six month.”  The applicant feels, by definition, he should have received the Vietnam Campaign Medal (sic), but it was not awarded prior to his exit from active duty.

The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS

According to documentation provided by the applicant, the applicant is an honorably discharged Air Force sergeant (E-4).

According to documentation provided by the applicant, the applicant was issued an AF Form 910, TSgt, SSgt, and Sgt Performance Report, while assigned to the 4258th Organizational Maintenance Squadron, U-Tapao Airfield, Thailand, from 2 Apr 68 – 1 Oct 68.

According to the applicant’s AF Form 7, Airman Military Record, provided by the applicant, he performed foreign service in Thailand from 13 May 68 – 8 May 69.

On 9 May 69, according to documentation provided by the applicant, the applicant was furnished an honorable discharge, and credited with 3 years, 5 months, 17 days active service, of which 11 months, 26 days were foreign and/or sea service.

According to the applicant’s DD Form 214, provided by the applicant, he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, with one bronze service star.

APPLICABLE AUTHORITY

In accordance with Air Force Manual 36-2806, Awards and Memorialization Program, Attachment 12, Authorized Foreign Service and Unit Awards, paragraph A12.9. Foreign Service Awards Authorized Prior to 1970:

A12.9.5. Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.  The Secretary of Defense approved acceptance and wear of the medal on 7 February 1966.  The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal was awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who between 1 March 1961 and 28 March 1973 who: 
A12.9.5.1. Served for 6 month in South Vietnam during the above dates, or 
A12.9.5.2. Served outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed combat support to the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces for an aggregate of six months. Only members of the U.S. Armed Forces who meet the criteria established for the Air Force Expeditionary Medal (Vietnam) 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 
A12.9.5.3. Did not complete the length of service required as listed above, but who, during wartime were either:
A12.9.5.3.1. Wounded by the enemy in a military action, or 
A12.9.5.3.2. Captured by the enemy during action or in the line of duty, but later rescued or released, or 
A12.9.5.3.3. Killed in action or in the line of duty. 
A12.9.5.4. Were assigned in Vietnam on 20 January 1973 and who served a minimum of 60 calendar days in Vietnam during the period of 29 January 1973 to 28 March 1973.

FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION

1.  The application was not timely filed, but it is in the interest of justice to excuse the delay.

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

3.  After reviewing all Exhibits, the Board concludes the applicant is the victim of an error or injustice.  The Board finds a preponderance of the evidence substantiates the applicant’s contentions.  Therefore, the Board recommends correcting the applicant’s records as indicated below.

RECOMMENDATION

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to the APPLICANT be corrected to show his DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge, issued in conjunction with his 9 May 1969 separation, be amended in Block 24, Decorations, Medals, Badges, Commendations, Citations, and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized, to reflect award of the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

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-2019-05038 in Executive Session on 26 Aug 20:

, Panel Chair 
, Panel Member
, Panel Member

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

Exhibit A:	Application, DD Form 149, w/atchs, dated 4 Oct 19.

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