RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2013-01301
COUNSEL:
HEARING DESIRED: NO
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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
His DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge, be corrected to show that he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM).
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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
The VSM was left off his DD Form 214 issued on 11 May 1975.
He was stationed at Udorn Air Base, Republic of Thailand, from Jul 1974 to May 1975 and believes this tour of duty qualifies for award of the VSM.
In support of his request, the applicant provides a copy of his DD Form 214.
The applicant's complete submission, with attachment, is at Exhibit A.
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STATEMENT OF FACTS:
The applicant entered active duty on 28 Jan 1969.
His records show that he served at Udorn Air Base, Republic of Thailand, from Aug 1974 to May 1975.
He was honorably discharged on 11 May 1975.
The VSM is awarded to all service members of the Armed Forces who between 4 Jul 1965 and 28 Mar 1973, served in the following areas of Southeast Asia: Vietnam and the contiguous waters and airspace; in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, or the airspace thereof and in the direct support of military operations in Vietnam for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days.
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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DPSID recommends denial. DPSID states that while they were able to verify that the applicant served at Udorn Air Base, Republic of Thailand, from 16 Aug 1974 to 11 May 1975, his inclusive dates are outside of the dates of eligibility for award of the VSM; the eligibility dates for award of the VSM are 4 Jul 1965 to 28 Mar 1973. To grant relief would be contrary to the eligibility criteria established by the Department of Defense Manual, 1348.33, Manual of Military Awards and Decorations.
The complete DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit C.
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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
His County Veteran Service Officer states the applicant received the Air Force evaluation and asks if there are any other awards or ribbons that recognize personnel for contributions from 28 Mar 1973 to the time that air combat operations ceased in 1975. The applicant states that combat operations went on daily during the time he was assigned to Udorn and as a Vietnam veteran himself, he strongly feels those individuals should receive recognition for their service.
The complete response is at Exhibit E.
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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 to warrant awarding the VSM. We took notice of the applicants 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 and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice. With respect to his request as to whether or not there are other awards to recognize him for his contributions from 1973 to 1975, we suggest the applicant contact the National Personnel Records Center at 1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO 63138 to verify any awards to which he may be entitled. In view of the above and 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-2013-01301 in Executive Session on 17 Dec 2013, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:
, Panel Chair
, Member
, Member
The following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 7 Mar 2013, w/atch.
Exhibit B. Applicants Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSID, dated 13 May 2013.
Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 31 May 2013.
Exhibit E. Letter, Veteran Service Officer, dated 30 Sep 2013.
Panel Chair
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