RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2005-02597
INDEX CODE: 107.00
COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: NO
MANDATORY CASE COMPLETION DATE: 20 FEB 07
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
He be awarded the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) and the Republic of Vietnam
Campaign Medal (RVCM).
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
He was stationed at Udorn, Thailand, during the Vietnam War and is entitled
to the requested medals.
Applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 19 September 1972 in the
grade of airman basic. He continued to reenlist contracting his last
enlistment on 3 December 1975 in the grade of sergeant for a period of four
years.
On 17 February 1977, the applicant was honorably discharged in the grade of
airman first class, under the provisions of AFM 39-12 (Unsuitability). He
served 4 years, 4 months, and 29 days of total active military service.
According to the applicant’s DD Form 214, Report of Separation from Active
Duty, he was awarded the following medals and decorations: Air Force Good
Conduct Medal (AFGCM), National Defense Service Medal (NDSM), and the Air
Force Longevity Service Award (AFLSA).
_________________________________________________________________
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DPPPR recommended denial indicating the applicant was assigned to the
432nd Combat Support Group in Udorn, Thailand, from 9 September 1974
through 1 September 1975. The applicant’s Thailand service time was after
the conflict period of 4 July 1965 through 28 March 1973, which makes him
ineligible for the VSM and the RVNCM.
The VSM was authorized by executive order on 8 July 1965 for United States
Military Personnel serving in the Vietnam Theater of Operations after 4
July 1965 through 28 March 1973, are eligible to wear the VSM.
The RVNCM was awarded for six months service in the Republic of Vietnam
between 1961 through 1973, if wounded, captured, or killed in action during
the above period.
The applicant served in Thailand from 9 September 1974 through 1 September
1975, while assigned to the 432nd Combat Support Group. His service was
after the required time periods, making him ineligible for both requested
awards.
The evaluation is at Exhibit C.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
On 30 September 2005, a copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to
the applicant for review and response within 30 days. 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. 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 and adopt its
rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been
the victim of an error or an injustice. The Board notes the VSM was
awarded to members serving in the Vietnam Theater of Operations between 4
July 1965 through 28 March 1973, and the RVNCM was awarded for six months
of service in the Republic of Vietnam between 1961 through 1973, if
wounded, captured, or killed in action during that time period. The
applicant served in Thailand from 9 September 1974 through 1 September
1975. Therefore, the inclusive time period makes him ineligible for both
requested awards. In view of the above and in the absence of evidence to
the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief
sought.
_________________________________________________________________
THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:
The applicant be notified the evidence presented did not demonstrate the
existence of an 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-2005-
02597 in Executive Session on 15 November 2005, under the provisions of AFI
36-2603:
Mr. Richard A. Peterson, Panel Chair
Ms. Jean A. Reynolds, Member
Ms. Janet I. Hassan, Member
The following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 3 Aug 05, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 22 Sep 05.
Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 30 Sep 05.
RICHARD A. PETERSON
Panel Chair
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