RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS


IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2013-00551

		COUNSEL:  NONE
	
		HEARING DESIRED:  NO


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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to reflect he served in the Republic of 
Vietnam.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was assigned to a unit that served in Vietnam and he has 
provided a letter from his unit that documents his “boots on the 
ground” service.

The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

According to the applicant’s DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the 
United States Transfer or Discharge, he enlisted in the Regular 
Air Force on 27 May 66 and served on active duty until 8 Dec 69, 
when he was honorably discharged.  He was credited with 3 years, 
6 months, and 12 days of total active service, but credited with 
no foreign service.  

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPAPP recommends denial, indicating that after a thorough 
review of the applicant’s official military personnel record and 
documentation provided, they were unable to substantiate the 
applicant’s request for foreign service time in Vietnam.  

A complete copy of the AFPC/DPAPP evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the 
applicant on 8 Mar 13 for review and comment within 30 days.  As 
of this date, no response has been received by this office 
(Exhibit D).

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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 an error or injustice.  We took 
notice of the applicant’s complete submission in judging the 
merits of the case; however, we are not convinced the applicant 
is the victim of an error or injustice.  While the applicant 
contends that he had occasion to deploy to the Republic of 
Vietnam during his service, there is no direct evidence in his 
comprehensive military personnel record that indicates that he 
should be credited with Vietnam service.  We note that he 
provided a copy of a supporting statement from the public 
affairs office of his former wing indicating that aircrews from 
his wing deployed to the Republic of Vietnam and were awarded 
the Republic of Vietnam Service Medal (VSN) and Republic of 
Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVNGC w/P); however, we do 
not find this statement sufficient to conclude the applicant 
should be credited with Vietnam service.  In this respect, we 
note that this statement does not specifically indicate the 
applicant performed the noted service and his military personnel 
records do not indicate that he was a member of an aircrew or 
was awarded the VSM or RVNGC w/P.  Instead, his records indicate 
that he performed duties in aircraft maintenance.  While the 
applicant also provides a supporting statement from a former 
colleague indicating the applicant had occasion to deploy with 
his unit’s aircraft as a crew chief, there is no evidence in the 
applicant’s records that would serve to support the author’s 
recollection of these events over 40 years ago.  After a 
thorough review of his military personnel records, we can find 
no reference whatsoever to the applicant performing duties as a 
crew chief or that he performed any foreign service whatsoever.  
Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find 
no basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this 
application.

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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified the evidence presented did not 
demonstrate the existence of material error or injustice; the 
application was denied without a personal appearance; and 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-2013-00551 in Executive Session on 12 Nov 13, under 
the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	                , Panel Chair
	                , Member
	                , Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

     Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 30 Jan 12, w/atchs.
     Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
     Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPAPP, dated 4 Mar 13.
     Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 8 Mar 13.




                                   
                                   Panel Chair