RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 

AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS 

 

IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2011-04423 

 COUNSEL: NONE 

 HEARING DESIRED: NO 

 

 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: 

 

The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (RVCM) and the TET 
Offensive Commemorative Medal be added to his DD Form 214, Armed 
Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge. 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: 

 

He was stationed at the Binh Thuy Air Base, Vietnam, in support 
of Combat Skyspot. He was in country from approximately 4 Oct 67 
through 17 Mar 68. 

 

In support of his request, the applicant provides a copy of his 
AF Form 626, Temporary Duty Order – Military, a copy of AF Form 
1098, Personnel Action Request, and a copy of a tax exempt form. 

 

His complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

STATEMENT OF FACTS: 

 

The applicant enlisted into the Regular Air Force on 14 Oct 65 
and was progressively promoted to the grade of sergeant (E-4), 
having assumed that grade effective and with a date of rank of 
1 Oct 67. 

 

On 8 Dec 11, AFPC/DPAPP sent the applicant a letter notifying him 
that they were able to verify and confirm his boots on ground 
foreign service time at Binh Thuy Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, 
from 2 Oct 67 to 17 Mar 68. The applicant’s foreign service will 
be corrected to reflect 0 years, 5 months, and 16 days. 

 

The RVCM Criterion: This medal is awarded to members of the 
armed forces of the United States who: 1) Served for six months 
in South Vietnam during the period March 1, 1961 to March 28, 
1973; 2) Served outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam 
and contributed direct combat support to the RVN armed forces for 
an aggregate of six months. Only members of the armed forces of 
the United States who meet the criteria established for the AFEM 
(Vietnam) or Vietnam Service Medal during the period of service 


required are considered to have contributed direct combat support 
to the RVN armed forces; 3) Did not complete the length of 
service required in item (1) or (2) above, but who, during 
wartime, were: a) wounded by the enemy (in a military action); b) 
captured by the enemy during action or in the line of duty, but 
later rescued or released; c) killed in action or in the line of 
duty; 4) Were assigned in Vietnam on Jan 28, 1973, and who served 
a minimum of 60 calendar days in Vietnam during the period Jan 29 
to March 28, 1973. 

 

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are 
contained in the letter prepared by the appropriate office of the 
Air Force, which is at Exhibit C. 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

AIR FORCE EVALUATION: 

 

AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial. DPSIDR was able to verify the 
applicant’s entitlement to two Bronze Service Stars (BSS) to his 
previously awarded VSM and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry 
Cross with Palm (RVGC w/P) and will update his records 
accordingly. However, the applicant was not in Vietnam for an 
aggregate of 6 months; therefore, he is not eligible for the 
RVCM. The TET Offensive Commemorative Medal is not awarded or 
issued by the United States Government. 

 

The complete DPSIDR 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 4 Jan 12 for review and comment within 30 days. As of this 
date, this office has received no response. 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

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 opinion and recommendation 
of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt its 
rationale as the basis for our conclusion that 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 AFBCMR Docket 
Number BC-2011-04423 in Executive Session on 27 Mar 12, under the 
provisions of AFI 36-2603: 

 

 , Panel Chair 

 , Member 

 , Member 

 

The following documentary evidence was considered: 

 

 Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 8 Nov 11, w/atchs. 

 Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. 

 Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 27 Dec 11. 

 Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 6 Jan 12. 

 

 

 

 

 

 Panel Chair