RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 

AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS 

 

IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2011-00373 

 COUNSEL: NONE 

 HEARING DESIRED: NO 

 

 

 

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: 

 

He be awarded the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM). 

 

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: 

 

He would like to know if he is authorized the VSM for his service 
while TDY to the 6924th Security Squadron for approximately 
60 days (Oct – Dec 71), Ramasun Station, Thailand. He 
understands that members assigned to Thailand in direct support 
of combat operations in Vietnam are eligible for the medal. 

 

In support of his request, the applicant provides a copy of his 
name change, a personal statement, a copy of his DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or 
Discharge, a copy of NA Form 13059, Transmittal of and/or 
Entitlement to Awards, a copy of his Request and Authorization 
for Temporary Duty – Military, and a copy of the 6924th Security 
Squadron list of awards. 

 

His complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. 

 

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STATEMENT OF FACTS: 

 

The applicant enlisted into the Regular Air Force on 16 Sep 68 
and was progressively promoted to the grade of sergeant (E-4), 
having assumed that grade effective and with a date of rank of 
1 Aug 70. He received an honorable discharge on 26 Mar 72 after 
serving 3 years, 6 months, and 11 days on active duty. 

 

On 9 Mar 11, AFPC/DPAPP sent a letter to the applicant requesting 
he check his personal records to see if he has any documents that 
affirm service time in Thailand and the inclusive dates. 

 

The VSM criterion: The VSM was created by Executive Order 11213, 
8 Jul 65. It is awarded to all service members of the Armed 
Forces who between 4 Jul 65 and 28 Mar 73, served on temporary 
duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days in the 


following areas of Southeast Asia: In Vietnam and contiguous 
waters and airspace; in Thailand, Laos or Cambodia or the 
airspace thereof and in the direct support of military operations 
in Vietnam. 

 

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION: 

 

AFPC/DPPAPP recommends denial. DPAPP states the applicant’s 
records and the documentation submitted failed to substantiate 
foreign service. However, the applicant’s medical records 
indicate he was assigned in Thailand sometime during 1971. DPAPP 
was unable to determine the exact amount of time spent in 
Thailand. Therefore, DPAPP recommends disapproval since the 
information provided and in his master personnel file does not 
contain information reflecting his service in Thailand. 

 

The DPAPP complete evaluation is at Exhibit C. 

 

AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial. DPSIDR states the applicant’s 
record shows that he was awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit 
Award (AFOUA) for his service with the 6918th Security Squadron, 
Hakata Air Base, Japan. However, the applicant’s records fail to 
provide documentation that clearly substantiates service in 
Thailand. Although the applicant asserts he was assigned to 
Thailand on temporary duty status in 1971 for a period exceeding 
30 days, he has not provided documentation that would verify 
boots on the ground in Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia. 

 

The DPSIDR complete evaluation is at Exhibit D. 

 

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: 

 

The applicant responded by stating that he did not request the 
AFOUA with V device. He already received the AFOUA ribbon with V 
device; therefore, this is not an issue. The applicant points to 
DPSIDR’s letter of 17 Mar 11 which states that documentation was 
found showing that “There is an entry in Mr. Marion’s medical 
records that he was assigned to Thailand sometime during 1971.” 
This is clearly proof that he was in Thailand and had “boots on 
the ground”. Unfortunately, he did not keep copies of his 
vouchers or any other documentation proving undeniably that he 
was in Thailand for 60 continuous days as stated earlier. His 
work was classified as TOP SECRET and very little, if any, 
documentation was provided. 

 

The applicant’s complete submission, with attachment, is at 
Exhibit F. 

 


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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. The applicant 
claims he was TDY to Thailand for more than 30 days; however, he 
provides no evidence of this. The applicant’s assertion that an 
entry in his medical records that he was assigned in Thailand 
sometime during 1971 was noted; however, he has not established 
to our satisfaction that he met the criteria for award of the 
VSM. Therefore, we agree with the opinions and recommendations 
of the Air Force offices of primary responsibility and adopt 
their rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the 
applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice. 
Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no 
basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this 
application. 

 

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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT: 

 

The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not 
demonstrate the existence of 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. 

 

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The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket 
Number BC-2011-00373 in Executive Session on 28 Jun 11, under the 
provisions of AFI 36-2603: 

 

 , Panel Chair 

 , Member 

 , Member 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following documentary evidence for Docket Number BC-2011-
00373 was considered: 

 


 Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 21 Jan 11, w/atchs. 

 Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. 

 Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPAPP, dated 17 Mar 11. 

 Exhibit D. Letter, AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 21 Apr 11. 

 Exhibit E. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 6 May 11. 

 Exhibit F. Letter, Applicant, dated 13 May 11. 

 

 

 

 

 

 Panel Chair