RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS


IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2014-00806
		
			COUNSEL:  NONE

			HEARING DESIRED:  NO


APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of 
Transfer or Discharge, be updated to reflect award of the 
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (RVNCM).


APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He served in Vietnam at Phu Cat Air Base in 1969.

The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.


STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 18 Jan 
66 and served as a Security Police.

On 23 May 69, the applicant was furnished an Honorable 
discharge, and was credited with 3 years, 4 months, and 6 days 
of active service.   

The applicant’s DD Form 214 reflects the following Air Force 
Medals and/or Ribbons:

	- National Defense Service Medal
	- Air Force Good Conduct Medal
	- Vietnam Service Medal

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are 
described in the memoranda prepared by the Air Force offices of 
primary responsibility (OPR), which are included at Exhibit C.


AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSID recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of 
an error or an injustice.  The RVNCM is awarded to members of 
the United States Armed Forces who, between 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 
73 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 met 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 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 Jan 73, and 
served in Vietnam for the entire period between 29 Jan 73 to 28 
Mar 73.  

There is no documentation in the applicant’s record to verify he 
was in the area of eligibility for award of the RVNCM.  

Based on their review, they determine that the below Air Force 
Medal and/or Ribbon should have been awarded:

	- Air Force Outstanding Unit Award

Upon final board decision, administrative correction of the 
applicant’s official military personnel record will be completed 
by AFPC/DPSOR.

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


APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

He contends his short notice deployment to Vietnam was conducted 
in secrecy.  In support of his request, he provided details of 
his deployment like location, duration and the estimated number 
of attacks the base endured during his tour of duty. 

The applicant also contends the recommendation from the Air 
Force office of primary responsibility is unfair and he plans on 
contesting it with help from the media.  

A complete copy of the applicant’s letter is at 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.  The Board 
notes that AFPC/DPSID states there is no documentation in the 
applicant’s record to verify he was in the area of eligibility 
for award of the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.   However, 
after a review of the applicant’s submission, in particular the 
detailed accounts of his experience at Phu Cat Air Base, 
Vietnam, we believe that relief is warranted.  Additionally, we 
have confirmed that Phu Cat Air Base was augmented by security 
forces personnel and more likely than not the applicant was in 
Vietnam and eligible for the RVNCM.  We believe this information 
is sufficient to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that 
the applicant’s DD Form 214 should be corrected to reflect the 
RVNCM and recommend the 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 his DD 
Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer 
or Discharge, reflect award of the Republic of Vietnam Campaign 
Medal.


The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket 
Number BC-2014-00806 in Executive Session on 13 Jan 2015 under 
the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	, Panel Chair
	, Member
	, Member

All members voted to correct the records as recommended.  The 
following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket 
Number BC-2014-00806 was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 20 Feb 14, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 16 Jun 14.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 22 Sep 14.
	Exhibit E.  Applicant’s Letter, dated 26 Nov 14.