RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2013-03619 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His records be corrected to reflect his temporary duty (TDY) service in Thailand. ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: As an Inflight Refueling Technician, he performed TDY in Southeast Asia at Utapeo and Takli Royal Thai Navy and Air Force Bases during the periods of 12 Sep 67 through 12 Nov 67 and 23 Feb 69 through 25 Apr 69. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. _________________ ______________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 27 May 55. According to the applicant’s airman performance report (APR), rendered for the period closing 14 Mar 68, he was involved in direct support of Southeast Asia operations as a combat crew member during the period 12 Sep 67 through 9 Nov 67. According to the applicant’s APR, rendered for the period closing 8 Aug 69, he completed a tour in SEA. According to the applicant’s AF Form 7, Airman Military Record, the applicant performed two TDYs to SEA during the periods 12 Sep 67 through 9 Nov 67 and 23 Feb 69 through 23 Apr 69. On 30 Jun 78, the applicant was released from active duty and retired, effective 1 Jul 78, and was credited with 24 years and 4 months of active service. According to his DD Forms 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge, he is entitled to the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (RVCM). ________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPAPP reviewed the documentation submitted by the applicant and was unable to determine the exact location of the applicant’s foreign service in Southeast Asia, and recommends the board review the information provided by the applicant and determine if it warrants approving service in the Republic of Vietnam. ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: He reiterates that he did not request a change to his service record for in-country duty in Vietnam. However, after discovering the lack of correct information in his records, he would like a correction showing his TDY duty in Thailand (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.  Sufficient 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 and are convinced that a preponderance of the evidence indicates that corrective action is warranted. In this respect, we note the applicant’s AF Form 7, Airman Military Record, reflects the applicant performed two 60-day tours of temporary duty (TDY) in South East Asia (SEA) during the noted periods. Furthermore, information from the Air Force Historical Research Agency indicates the applicant’s unit sent two KC-135 aircraft to SEA in September 1967 and February 1969, where they operated out of U-Tapao Royal Thai Naval Base and Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base during periods that correspond with those reflected on the applicant’s AF Form 7. Therefore, we we believe it appropriate to recommend his records be corrected as indicated below. ________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT: The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to the APPLICANT be corrected to show that he had boots-on-ground in the Republic of Thailand during the periods of 12 Sep 67 through 9 Nov 67, and 23 Feb 69 through 23 Apr 69. ________________________________________________________________ The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2013-03619 in Executive Session on 10 Jun 14, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: All members voted to correct the records as recommended. The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2013-03619 was considered: Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 22 Jul 13, w/atchs. Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPAPP, dated 11 Oct 13. Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 6 Jan 14. Exhibit E.  Letter, Applicant, dated 20 Jan 14, w/atchs.