RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-02988 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: 1. He received credit for his foreign service in Vietnam (administratively corrected). 2. He be awarded the Vietnam Campaign Medal (VCM). APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He needs this correction to his DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge, to obtain veterans benefits from the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA). He deployed in support of “OPERATION SAFESHOT” from Apr 68 through Aug 68 and again from Aug 69 through Dec 69. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 15 Mar 66. On 2 Jan 70, the applicant was discharged honorably, and was credited with 3 years, 9 months, and 18 days of active service. On 21 Nov 14, AFPC/DPAPP confirmed the applicant had “boots on ground” in Vietnam and directed the applicant’s DD Form 214 be administratively corrected reflect that he was credited with 4 months and 22 days of foreign service. On 16 Feb 15, AFPC/DPSID administratively corrected the applicant’s record to reflect he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars (VSM w/2BSS) and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVNGC w/P). The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are contained in the memorandum prepared by the Air Force office of primary responsibility (OPR), which is attached at Exhibit C. AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSID recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice. The VCM 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 support to the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces for an aggravate of six months. Without evidence in the applicant’s record it could not be verified that he was in the area of eligibility for an aggravate of six months for award of the VCM. While reviewing the applicant’s official military personnel record, it was determined that the VSM w/2BSS and the RVNGC w/P should have been awarded during the applicant’s service from 15 Mar 66 to 2 Jan 70. Upon final board decision, administrative correction of the applicant’s official military record will be completed. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit C. APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: A copy of the Air Force evaluations was forwarded to the applicant on 17 Mar 15 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit D). 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. Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice warranting correction of the applicant’s records to reflect award of the VCM. 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 its rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error of injustice. We note the Air Force OPR has confirmed the applicant had “boots on ground” in Vietnam and directed the applicant’s DD Form 214 be administratively corrected to credit him with 4 months and 22 days of foreign service. In addition, we also note the Air Force OPR administratively corrected the applicant’s record to reflect he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars (VSM w/2BSS) and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVNGC w/P). Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting any relief beyond that rendered administratively. 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-2014-02988 in Executive Session on 14 May 15, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: The following documentary evidence pertaining AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-02988 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 21 Jul 14, with atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 16 Feb 15. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 17 Mar 15.