RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-00279
COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: NO
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
Any and all awards earned during his active duty service,
including the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) be documented in his
records.
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
He served in Thailand for 90 days and should be eligible for the
VSM.
He believes the error or injustice occurred, on or about, 9 Dec
69, while assigned to the 4609 Supply Squadron.
The applicants complete submission, with attachments, is at
Exhibit A.
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
On 10 Feb 66, the applicant entered active duty in the Regular Air
Force.
According to the applicants Airman Performance Report (APR) for
the period 11 May 67 - 2 Feb 68, he was assigned to the
6100 Supply Squadron. The report also notes in Section VII,
Comments of Reporting Official, the applicant received a letter of
appreciation for completing a 90-day Temporary Duty (TDY)
assignment; however, it does not indicate a location.
The Statement of Personal History form dated 10 Jul 68, reflects
that from Jul 67 to Aug 67, the applicant reported that he was
assigned to the 388 Supply Squadron, Korat Air Base, Thailand.
The Air Force Personnel Services (AFPS) website reflects that the
388 Supply Squadron was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry
Cross, with Palm (RVNGC, w/P) from 8 Apr 66 28 Jan 73.
On 9 Dec 69, the applicant was honorably discharged, and was
credited with 3 years and 10 months of active duty service,
including 1 year, 9 months, and 24 days of foreign service.
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DPSID recommends denial of the applicants request for award
of the VSM. DPSID was unable to verify the applicant served in
the area of eligibility and met the criteria for award of the VSM.
DPSID was unable to verify he was eligible for any additional
awards based on his active duty service. To grant the applicant
relief would be contrary to the eligibility criteria established
by DoDM 1348.33, the Secretary of the Air Force, Chief of Staff,
and/or the War Department.
The VSM was awarded to all members of the United States Armed
Forces who served in Vietnam or contiguous waters or airspace
after 3 Jul 65, and before 28 Mar 73. In addition, personnel
serving in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia in direct support of
operations in Vietnam during the same time period also were
eligible for the VSM. To be eligible, a service member must be:
permanently assigned, attached, or detailed for one, or more, days
with an organization participating in or directly supporting
ground (military) operations; permanently assigned, attached, or
detailed for one, or more, days aboard a naval vessel directly
supporting military operations; have actually participated as a
crew member in one or more aerial flights directly supporting
military operations; have served on TDY for 30 consecutive days or
60 non-consecutive days. Those time limitations may be waived for
personnel participating in actual combat operations.
The applicant's APR dated 2 Feb 68 states that he went on a 90-day
TDY assignment but does not indicate a location.
The only reference to Thailand in the applicant's official
military personnel record is on page three of a Statement of
Personal History. There is an entry from Jul 67 to Aug 67, with
the 388 Supply Squadron, Korat Air Base, Thailand. However, there
is no official documentation referencing this TDY.
The complete DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit C.
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant
on 15 MAY 14 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. Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate
the existence of an injustice. We note DPSID recommends denial
stating that with the exception of the Statement of History dated
10 Jul 68, there is no official documentation referencing a TDY to
Thailand. While the applicant has not provided conclusive
evidence that he completed a 90 day TDY to Thailand, it is our
opinion that the applicants APR for the period ending 2 Feb
68 coupled with AFPS website appears to weigh more in favor of
amending the applicants DD Form 214 to reflect award of the VSM.
Accordingly, we recommend his records be corrected as indicated
below.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:
The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force
relating to the APPLICANT be corrected to show that his DD Form
214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or
Discharge, issued in conjunction with his 9 Dec 69, discharge, be
amended in Block 24, Decorations, Medals, Badges, Commendations,
Citations and Campaign Ribbons, Awarded and Authorized, to include
the Vietnam Service Medal.
The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number
BC-2014-00279 in Executive Session on 20 Nov 14 under the
provisions of AFI 36-2603:
, Panel Chair
, Member
, Member
All members voted to correct the records as recommended. The
following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 17 Jan 14.
Exhibit B. Pertinent Excerpts from Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSID, dated 11 Apr 14.
Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 15 May 14.
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