RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 

AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS 

 

IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2009-01182 

 COUNSEL: NONE 

 HEARING DESIRED: NO 

 

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: 

 

His records be corrected to reflect award of the Republic of 
Vietnam Gallantry Cross (RVNGC). 

 

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: 

 

A review of his records or his DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the 
United States Report of Transfer or Discharge, dated 14 Oct 68 
should provide sufficient justification/evidence for award of the 
RVGCN. 

 

In support of his request, the applicant provided a copy of his 
DD Form 214 and DD Form 215, Correction to DD Form 214, Armed 
Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge. 

 

Applicant's complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit 
A. 

 

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STATEMENT OF FACTS: 

 

On 15 Mar 65, he contracted his initial enlistment in the Regular 
Air Force. He was progressively promoted to the rank of airman 
first class having assumed that grade effective and with a date 
of rank of 8 Dec 65. He served three years and seven months on 
active duty. 

 

AF Form 7, Airman Military Record, reflects he served in Vietnam 
from 22 Jul 67 through 18 Jul 68. 

 

On 26 Apr 99, AFPC/DPPRA informed him that during the time he 
served in Vietnam his unit was not eligible for the RVNGC. 

 

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION: 

 

HQ AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial. DPSIDR states no official 
documentation was located to verify his eligibility for award of 
the RVNGC. 

 

HQ AFPC/DPSIDR's completion evaluation is at Exhibit C. 

 

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: 

 

The applicant provided a copy of the criteria for the RVNGC which 
states US Military units were individually cited for award of the 
RVNGC; however, the Vietnamese Government issued the award to all 
units subordinate to Military Assistance Command during the 
period 8 Feb 62 and 28 Mar 73 and to US Army Vietnam and its 
subordinate units for the period 20 Jul 65 to 28 Mar 73. This 
permits all personnel who served in Vietnam to wear the RVNGC. 
He questions whether this specifically is for US Army units or 
all military units. 

 

The applicant's complete response, with attachment, is at Exhibit 
E. 

 

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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 error or injustice. After a 
thorough review of the available records, we found no evidence 
that the applicant is eligible for the award of the RVGCN. In 
regard to the applicant's request for clarification on whether 
the RVGCN is for US Army units only or all military units, the 
RVGCN is awarded by the Republic of Vietnam to units for heroic 
combat achievements; entitlement to the RVNGC is verified in 
accordance with DOD 1348.33M and AF Pamphlet 900-2. The unit 
must be listed in the AF Pamphlet or official documentation must 
be available that verifies the unit as being recognized for an 
award. Therefore, in the absence of such evidence, we agree with 
the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office of primary 
responsibility and find no compelling basis to recommend granting 
the relief sought in this application. 

 

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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT: 

 

The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not 
demonstrate the existence of material error or injustice; that 
the application was denied without a personal appearance; and 
that the application will only be reconsidered upon the 
submission of newly discovered relevant evidence not considered 
with this application. 

 

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The following members of the Board this application in Executive 
Session on 25 Aug 09, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: 

 

 , Panel Chair 

 , Member 

 , Member 

 

The following documentary evidence was considered: 

 

 Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 23 Mar 09, w/atchs. 

 Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. 

 Exhibit C. Letter, HQ AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 23 Apr 09. 

 Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 1 Jun 09. 

 Exhibit E. Letter, Applicant, dated 8 Jun 09, w/atchs. 

 

 

 

 

 

 Panel Chair