RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-00811 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge, be corrected to reflect the award of the Vietnam Campaign Medal (VCM) and any other Medals related to his combat missions in Vietnam. APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He should have been awarded the VCM for combat missions flown over Vietnam between 1971 and 1972. In support of his request, the applicant submits a copy of his DD Form 214, copies of evaluations which highlight sorties flown over Southeast Asia (SEA), and a copy of a letter from a fellow retired Airman accounting for his service, dated 6 Feb 14. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 1 Apr 69. On 6 Apr 76, the applicant was furnished an Honorable discharge, and was credited with 7 years and 5 days of active service. The applicant’s DD Form 214 reflects award of the following Air Force Medals and/or Ribbons: - National Defense Service Medal - Air Force Good Conduct Medal - Air Force Outstanding Unit Award - Air Force Longevity Service Award - Basic Military Training Ribbon On 20 May 14, AFPC/DPAPP notified the applicant that a review of his official military records verified “Boots on Ground” Foreign Service at Ching Chaun Kang Air Base, Taiwan from 17 Feb 71 to 22 Apr 72. They informed the applicant based on the data reviewed, his Foreign Service time reflected on his DD Form 214 was accurate; therefore, a correction was not required. The letter was provided as proof of his “Boots on Ground” for Taiwan and the Republic of Vietnam. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPAPP letter is an Exhibit C. The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are described in the memoranda prepared by the Air Force office of primary responsibility (OPR), which is included at Exhibit D. AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSID recommends denial, indicating there is no evidence of an error or injustice. The VCM 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. With the assistance of the Directorate of Assignments they were able to verify the applicant’s combat sorties in SEA; however, they were unable to substantiate the dates of service to award the VCM. Based on their review of the applicant’s official military record they were able to determine that the below Air Force Medals and/or Ribbons should have been awarded: - Vietnam Service Medal - Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm 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 D. APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 22 Sep 14 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit E). As of this date, no response has been received by this office. 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. After a thorough review of the evidence of record and the applicant’s complete submission, we believe the applicant is the victim of an error. While we note the comments of AFPC/DPSID indicating that relief should be denied because the applicant’s records contain no documentation detailing the actual dates served in or over the Republic of Vietnam, we believe a preponderance of the evidence substantiates that corrective action is warranted. In this respect, we note the applicant has provided copies of evaluations which highlight a large number of sorties flown, as well as a supporting statement from a witness with personal knowledge of the missions conducted in support of the war effort, that support he met the length of service required for the VCM. Therefore, we recommend the applicant’s 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 issued on 6 April 1976 be amended to include the award of the Vietnam Campaign Medal. The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-00811 in Executive Session on 26 Feb 15 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-2014-00811 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 11 Jul 14, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Memorandum, AFPC/DPAPP, dated 20 May 14. Exhibit D. Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 7 Jul 14. Exhibit E. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 22 Sep 14.