RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 

 AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS 

 

 

IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2009-00464 

 

 COUNSEL: NONE 

 

 HEARING DESIRED: NO 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: 

 

His records be corrected to show he was awarded the Southeast 
Asia Service Medal and campaign medals for his service in 
Vietnam. 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: 

 

He flew over Vietnam many times during the Vietnam War as a plane 
refueler and should have been awarded the requested medals. 

 

The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A. 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

STATEMENT OF FACTS: 

 

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 5 Aug 68, and 
was progressively promoted to the grade of sergeant. His DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, reflects a 
separation date of 3 Oct 78, and that he served a total of 
10 years, 1 month and 29 days of active service. 

 

His DD 214 does not reflect award of the requested medals. 

 

The Southeast Asia Service Medal is not an award or decoration 
issued or recognized by the Department of Defense (DoD). 

 

The Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) is awarded to all service members 
of the Armed Forces who between 4 July 65 and 28 Mar 73, served 
in the following areas of Southeast Asia: in Vietnam and the 
contiguous waters and airspace; in Thailand, Laos or Cambodia or 
the airspace thereof and in the direct support of military 
operations in Vietnam. 

 


The Republic of Vietnam Campaign (RVNCM) is awarded to members of 
the Armed Forces of the United States who served for six months 
in South Vietnam, during the period 1 Mar 61 to 28 Mar 73 or who 
served outside the geographical limits of the Republic of Vietnam 
and contributed direct combat support to the Republic of Vietnam 
and Armed Forces for six months. Such individuals must meet the 
criteria established for the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal 
(for Vietnam) or the Vietnam Service Medal, to qualify for the 
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

AIR FORCE EVALUATION: 

 

AFPC/DPAPP recommends denial. DPAPP states a review of the 
applicant’s records fails to substantiate time served or 
participation in missions in or over Vietnam. DPAPP requested 
additional documentation to support his request. Based on the 
lack of supporting documentation they cannot confirm boots on the 
ground in Vietnam. 

 

The complete AFPC/DPAPP evaluation is at Exhibit C. 

 

AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial. DPSIDR states the Southwest Asia 
Service Medal is not an award or decoration issued or recognized 
by the DoD. It could not be verified the applicant had boots on 
ground in Vietnam or that he is entitled for award of the RVNCM. 

 

According to DPSIDR, the applicant served at Cigli AB, Turkey, as 
an aircraft maintenance specialist from Feb 69 to May 70. His 
DD Form 214 reflects Foreign Service that is equivalent to the 
time he served in Turkey. 

 

The complete AFPC/DPSIDR evaluation is at Exhibit D. 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: 

 

Copies of the evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 
9 Oct 09, for review and comment, within 30 days. However, as of 
this date, no response has been received by this office 
(Exhibit E). 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

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. We took notice 
of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of 
the case; however, we agree with the opinions and recommendations 
of the Air Force offices of primary responsibility and adopt 
their rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has 
not been the victim of an error or injustice. Therefore, in the 
absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to 
recommend granting the relief sought in this application. 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

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. 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

The following members of the Board considered Docket Number BC-
2009-00464 in Executive Session on 16 Mar 10, under the 
provisions of AFI 36-2603: 

 

 , Panel Chair 

 , Member 

 , Member 

 

The following documentary evidence was considered: 

 

 Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 3 Feb 09. 

 Exhibit B. Applicant’s Master Personnel Records. 

 Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPAPP, dated 11 Sep 09. 

 Exhibit D. Letter, AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 23 Sep 09. 

 Exhibit E. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 9 Oct 09. 

 

 

 

 

 

 Panel Chair