RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS


IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-03146

	XXXXXXXXXX	COUNSEL: NONE

			HEARING DESIRED:  NO


APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be entitled to the Vietnam Campaign Medal (VCM).


APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

His DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of 
Transfer or Discharge, only shows the Vietnam Service Medal 
(VSM).  It does not include the VCM and likely other awards that 
he should have received.

The Board should find it in the interest of justice to consider 
his untimely application because he is filing a disability claim 
for Agent Orange with the Department of Veterans Affairs and was 
told that in addition to the Vietnam Service Medal, he had to 
have the VCM on his DD Form 214.

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


STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant served in the Regular Air Force from 14 March 
1962 to 11 March 1966.  His DD Form 214 reflects 1 year, 1 month 
and 22 days of Foreign and/or Sea Service.


AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSID recommends denial.  The VCM is awarded to members of 
the United States Armed Forces who, between 1 March 1961 and 
28 March 1973 served for 6 months in South Vietnam, or, served 
outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed 
direct combat support to the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces 
for an aggregate of 6 months.  Only members of the United States 
Armed Forces who meet the criteria established for the Armed 
Forces Expeditionary Medal or the VSM during the period of 
service required are considered to have contributed direct 
combat support to the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces; or, did 
not complete the length of service required, but who, during 
wartime, were: wounded by the enemy (in a military action), 
captured by the enemy during action or in the line of duty, but 
later rescued or released, killed in action or in the line of 
duty; or were assigned in Vietnam on 28 January 1973, and served 
in Vietnam for the entire period between 29 January 1973 to 
28 March 1973.  The applicant served just over 60 days in the 
area of eligibility, which falls short of the aggregate 6 months 
required for award of the VCM.  To grant relief would be 
contrary to the eligibility criteria established by DoD Manual 
1348.33, Manual of Military Decorations and Awards.

DPSID was able to verify the applicant's entitlement to the VSM 
with one Bronze Service Star and the Republic of Vietnam 
Gallantry Cross with Palm. Upon final Board decision, 
administrative correction of his official military personnel 
record will be completed by AFPC/DPSOR.

The complete DPSID evaluation, with attachment, is at Exhibit C.


APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 25 March 2015, a copy of the Air Force evaluation was 
forwarded to the applicant for review and comment within 
30 days.  As of this date, no response has been received by this 
office (Exhibit D).


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 the 
rationale expressed as the basis for our conclusion that relief 
beyond that already granted administratively is not warranted.  
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 this application 
in Executive Session on 12 May 2015, under the provisions of AFI 
36-2603:

       , Panel Chair
       , Member
       , Member

The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket 
Number BC-2014-03146 was considered:

      Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 31 July 2014, w/atch.
      Exhibit B.  Applicant’s Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPSID, dated 24 November 2014,
            w/atch.
      Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 25 March 2015.