RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-00241
					COUNSEL:  NONE
		HEARING DESIRED:  NO 


APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (RVNCM).


APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He served in Vietnam during the period 21 Aug 65 – 14 Dec 65.

The applicant provides no rationale as to why his untimely 
application should be considered.

In support of his requests, the applicant provides copies of his 
DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of 
Transfer or Discharge, special order and Temporary Duty (TDY) 
certificate. 

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


STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 1 Jan 63, the applicant entered the Regular Air Force.  He 
served 3 years, 3 months, and 26 days of total active service.  
He is credited with 1 year, 5 months, and 27 days of Foreign 
Service.  

On 12 May 14, AFPC/DPAPP notified the applicant that they were 
able to verify and confirm Boots-On-Ground (BOG) Foreign Service 
time at Nha Trang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam from 21 Aug 
65 to 14 Dec 65, for 3 months and 24 days.  

The RVNCM is awarded to members of the United States Armed 
Forces who, between 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73, served for six 
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 six 
months.  Only members of the United States Armed Forces who meet 
the criteria established for the Armed Forces Expeditionary 
Medal or the Vietnam Service Medal 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 lieu of duty, but 
later rescued or released, killed in action or in the line of 
duty; or were assigned in Vietnam on 28 Jan 73, and served in 
Vietnam for the entire period between 29 Jan 73 to 28 Mar 73.


AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSID recommends denial.  A review of the applicant’s 
personnel records failed to substantiate he was in the area of 
eligibility for an aggregate of six months in support of the 
Vietnam Armed Forces for award of the RVNCM.  To grant relief 
would be contrary to the criteria established by DoDM 1348.33, 
Manual of Military Decorations and Awards: DoD Service Awards – 
Campaign, Expeditionary, and Service Medals, the Secretary of 
the Air Force, Chief of Staff, and/or the War Department.

DPSID was able to verify the applicant’s entitlement to the 
Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star (VSM w/1BSS) 
and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVNGC 
w/P) for his service from 15 Jan 63 to 10 May 66, and were not 
reflected in his records.  Upon final determination by the 
Board, DPSOR will administratively correct the applicant’s 
records.  

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


APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the 
applicant on 1 Aug 14, 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 an 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 
(OPR) 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 grant the relief 
sought in this application.


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-2014-00241 in Executive Session on 12 Nov 14, under 
the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	Panel Chair
	Member
	Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 16 Jan 14, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPSID, dated 7 Jul 14, w/atch.
Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 1 Aug 14.

						






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