RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2004-02427
INDEX CODE: 107.00
COUNSEL: NO
HEARING DESIRED: NO
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
His records be corrected to show the addition of the “V” device for valor
to his already-awarded Bronze Star Medal (BSM).
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
He earned the “V” device on 1 January 1968 in Saigon. It has been 35 years
since Vietnam and he needs VA assistance but they tell him the Bronze Star
is a “country club membership” unless it has a “V” device. He believes his
performance under fire during TET 68 deserves the “V” device.
In support of his application, the applicant provides copies of his DD Form
214s and a nine-page “Stressor Letter” of his tour in Vietnam. The
applicant’s submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
On 5 November 1963, the applicant was appointed a second lieutenant,
Reserve of the Air Force and was voluntarily ordered to extended active
duty. Records reflect an overseas tour in Vietnam for the period 13 August
1967 through 11 August 1968 with assignment to Tan Son Nhut AB, Republic of
Vietnam. On 15 February 1969, he was released from extended active duty in
the grade of captain and transferred to the Air Force Reserve. He had
served 5 years, 3 months and 11 days on active duty of which 11 months, and
29 days was foreign service. He had been awarded the Bronze Star Medal for
meritorious service while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in
ground operations against an opposing armed force from 15 August 1967 to 10
July 1968. In addition he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal,
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze
star and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon. He was honorably
discharged from the Air Force Reserve on 7 June 1973.
_________________________________________________________________
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DPPPR recommends disapproval. DPPPR states there is no evidence in
the applicant’s record that he was awarded the BSM for valor. The “V”
device is awarded if the medal was awarded for heroism in combat. The
DPPPR evaluation is at Exhibit C.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
Applicant states he only applied for a “V” device because he felt he
deserved it and the VA made light of the BS without it. He is not applying
for another BS. He was in combat and hostile fire was everywhere. The
applicant’s rebuttal, with attachments, 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. Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the
existence of error or injustice. We took notice of the applicant’s
contention that he should have been awarded the “V” device along with the
Bronze Star Medal (BSM) for his performance under fire during TET 68. The
applicant was awarded the BSM for the period 15 August 1967 to 10 July 1968
and, in the absence of evidence showing otherwise, we believe this was the
recognition intended for his service while in the Republic of Vietnam.
Other than his own assertions, the applicant has provided no information
that was unavailable to the recommending and approving officials for the
award or showing his actions, in fact, met the criteria for award of the
“V” device. While we appreciate and honor the applicant’s service to his
country, absent persuasive evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling
basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application.
________________________________________________________________
THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:
The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate
the existence of probable material error or injustice; that the application
was denied without a personal appearance; and that 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 this application in Executive
Session on 14 October 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:
Mr. Thomas S. Markiewicz, Chair
Mr. John B. Hennessey, Member
Mr. Alan A. Blomgren, Member
The following documentary evidence for AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2004-02427
was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 29 Jul 04, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 26 Aug 04.
Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 3 Sep 04.
Exhibit E. Letter, Applicant, dated 8 Sep 04.
THOMAS S. MARKIEWICZ
Chair
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