RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-00811
COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: NO
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
His DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of
Transfer or Discharge, be corrected to reflect the award of the
Vietnam Campaign Medal (VCM) and any other Medals related to his
combat missions in Vietnam.
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
He should have been awarded the VCM for combat missions flown
over Vietnam between 1971 and 1972.
In support of his request, the applicant submits a copy of his
DD Form 214, copies of evaluations which highlight sorties flown
over Southeast Asia (SEA), and a copy of a letter from a fellow
retired Airman accounting for his service, dated 6 Feb 14.
The applicants complete submission, with attachments, is at
Exhibit A.
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 1 Apr
69.
On 6 Apr 76, the applicant was furnished an Honorable discharge,
and was credited with 7 years and 5 days of active service.
The applicants DD Form 214 reflects award of the following Air
Force Medals and/or Ribbons:
- National Defense Service Medal
- Air Force Good Conduct Medal
- Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
- Air Force Longevity Service Award
- Basic Military Training Ribbon
On 20 May 14, AFPC/DPAPP notified the applicant that a review of
his official military records verified Boots on Ground Foreign
Service at Ching Chaun Kang Air Base, Taiwan from 17 Feb 71 to
22 Apr 72. They informed the applicant based on the data
reviewed, his Foreign Service time reflected on his DD Form 214
was accurate; therefore, a correction was not required. The
letter was provided as proof of his Boots on Ground for Taiwan
and the Republic of Vietnam.
A complete copy of the AFPC/DPAPP letter is an Exhibit C.
The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are
described in the memoranda prepared by the Air Force office of
primary responsibility (OPR), which is included at Exhibit D.
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DPSID recommends denial, indicating there is no evidence of
an error or injustice. The VCM is awarded to members of the
United States Armed Forces who, between 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73
served for 6 months in South Vietnam, or served outside the
geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed direct
combat support to the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces for an
aggregate of 6 months. Only members of the United States Armed
Forces who met the criteria established for the Armed Forces
Expeditionary Medal or the Vietnam Service Medal during the
period of service required are considered to have contributed
direct combat support to the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces;
or did not complete the length of service required, but who,
during wartime, were: wounded by the enemy (in a military
action), captured by the enemy during action or in the line of
duty, but later rescued or released, killed in action or in the
line of duty; or were assigned in Vietnam on 28 Jan 73, and
served in Vietnam for the entire period between 29 Jan 73 to 28
Mar 73.
With the assistance of the Directorate of Assignments they were
able to verify the applicants combat sorties in SEA; however,
they were unable to substantiate the dates of service to award
the VCM.
Based on their review of the applicants official military
record they were able to determine that the below Air Force
Medals and/or Ribbons should have been awarded:
- Vietnam Service Medal
- Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm
Upon final Board decision, administrative correction of the
applicants official military personnel record will be completed
by AFPC/DPSOR.
A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit D.
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the
applicant on 22 Sep 14 for review and comment within 30 days
(Exhibit E). 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 error or injustice. After a
thorough review of the evidence of record and the applicants
complete submission, we believe the applicant is the victim of
an error. While we note the comments of AFPC/DPSID indicating
that relief should be denied because the applicants records
contain no documentation detailing the actual dates served in or
over the Republic of Vietnam, we believe a preponderance of the
evidence substantiates that corrective action is warranted. In
this respect, we note the applicant has provided copies of
evaluations which highlight a large number of sorties flown, as
well as a supporting statement from a witness with personal
knowledge of the missions conducted in support of the war
effort, that support he met the length of service required for
the VCM. Therefore, we recommend the applicants 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 on 6 April 1976 be amended to include the
award of the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket
Number BC-2014-00811 in Executive Session on 26 Feb 15 under the
provisions of AFI 36-2603:
, Panel Chair
, Member
, Member
All members voted to correct the records as recommended. The
following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket
Number BC-2014-00811 was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 11 Jul 14, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Memorandum, AFPC/DPAPP, dated 20 May 14.
Exhibit D. Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 7 Jul 14.
Exhibit E. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 22 Sep 14.
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