RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2012-04853
	XXXXXXX	COUNSEL:  NONE
		HEARING DESIRED:  NONE

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He receive credit for his service in the Republic of Vietnam.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He served in Vietnam and Thailand and should have this 
information reflected in his record.  

In support of his appeal, the applicant provides a personal 
statement; copies of his DD Forms 214, Report of Transfer or 
Discharge, issued in conjunction with his 13 Sep 73 separation; 
notarized affidavits from former service members, and various 
other documents associated with his request.

The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at 
Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 31 Mar 71, the applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force 
for a period of four years.  On 13 Sep 73, he was honorably 
released from active duty and transferred to the US Air Force 
Reserve.  He was credited with a total of 2 years, 5 months and 
13 days of active service.

His DD Form 214 reflects in Item 30, Remarks, Vietnam – No.

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THE AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPAPP recommends denial since the information provided and 
master personnel records did not contain information that 
reflects that he served in the Republic of Vietnam.  

The complete DPAPP evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF THE AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Through his local Department of Veterans Affairs office, the 
applicant provides a copy of his Temporary Duty (TDY) orders to 
substantiate that he served in Vietnam.

The applicant’s complete response, with attachments, 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.  Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to 
demonstrate the existence of error or injustice warranting 
partial relief.  After considering the notarized statements from 
members of the applicant’s unit, along with a copy of the orders 
which directed him to Thailand and Vietnam, we are inclined to 
conclude that the applicant did serve in both Thailand and 
Vietnam.  While the order does not validate how long the 
applicant served with boots on the ground at either location, in 
the interest of justice, we find that the evidence presented is 
sufficient to award the applicant boots on the ground in Vietnam 
for one day along with the Vietnam Service Medal.  Accordingly, 
we recommend the applicant’s records be corrected as indicated 
below.

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THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air 
Force relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that:

	a.  His DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States 
Report of Transfer or Discharge, issued in conjunction with his 
13 September 1973 release from active duty, Item 24, 
Decorations, Medal, Badges, Commendations, Citations and 
Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized, be amended to include 
the Vietnam Service Medal.

	b.  He had boots on the ground in Vietnam on 21 August 1972.

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The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket 
Number BC-2012-04853 in Executive Session on 25 Jul 13, under 
the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

All members voted to correct the records, as recommended.  The 
following documentary evidence was considered:

     Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 16 Oct 12, w/atchs.
     Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
     Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPAPP, dated 28 Nov 12.
     Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 14 Dec 12.
     Exhibit E.  Letter, Applicant, dated 17 May 13, w/atchs.




                                   Vice Chair