RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-03313
COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: NO
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
His official military records reflect his Vietnam Service and
Vietnam/Southeast Asia Service Ribbons.
He would like to receive the ribbons and awards he is entitled
to.
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
A dispute over his Vietnam Service was settled through
Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) disability claims and
discovery of lost records. He provides copies of his DD Form
214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DVA
Certification of Service and disability, flight records showing
Saigon, Vietnam and Thailand (Southeast Asia) in support of his
application.
The applicants complete submission, with attachments, is at
Exhibit A.
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
On 23 Oct 61, the applicant entered the Regular Air Force.
On 22 Sep 65, the applicant received an honorable discharge. He
was credited with 3 years and 11 months of active service.
The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are
contained in the memorandum prepared by the Air Force offices of
primary responsibility (OPRs), attached at Exhibit C and Exhibit
D.
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DPAPP recommends the Board review the applicants
documentation to determine sufficiency as proof of Vietnam
Service. DPAPP was unable to clearly read the travel voucher
provided by the applicant.
The complete DPAPP evaluation is at Exhibit C.
AFPC/DPSID recommends disapproval of the Vietnam Campaign Medal
(VCM). There is no official documentation in the applicants
record to verify he was in the area of eligibility for an
aggregate of six months for award of the VCM.
The VCM is awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces
who, between 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73 served for six 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 six months.
Only members of the United States Armed Forces who meet the
criteria established for the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal or
the VSM 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 73-28 Mar 73.
DPSID was able to verify award of the Vietnam Service Medal
(VSM) with one Bronze Service Star (w/1BSS) and the Air Force
Outstanding Unit Award with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster (AFOUA
w/1BOLC). The applicant provided a DD Form 1351-2c, Travel
Voucher, dated from 10 Apr 65 to 5 Aug 65 indicating he lodged
at the Diamond Hotel in Thailand from 10-13 Apr 65; he was
temporary duty at Takhli, Thailand from 13 Apr 65 to 5 Jul 65
and was at Don Muang Air Base, Thailand 5-6 Jul 65.
The applicant also provided a memo from 6235th Combat Support
Group (CSG), APO U.S. Forces 96273, to the 363rd Supply
authorizing compensation for clothing rendered unserviceable due
to inadequate laundry facilities. The memo states that during
this time the applicant was assigned to the 6235th CSG. Per
Directory of United States Air Force Organizations, Copy No.
179, declassified 18 Mar 98, the APO address is the address for
Takhli, Thailand. The dates of service on the memo for the
applicant are from 13 Apr 65 to 5 Jul 65, which coincide with
the dates on the DD Form 1351-2c, putting the applicant in the
area of eligibility, for one or more days assigned to a unit in
support of military operations.
Based on DPSIDs review of the applicants official military
personnel record, they were able to determine that the below Air
Force Medals and/or Ribbons should have been awarded during the
applicants service from 23 Oct 61 to 22 Sep 65 and were not
reflected in his records. Upon final board decision,
administrative correction of the applicants official military
personnel record will be completed by AFPC/DPSOR:
*National Defense Service Medal (NDSM)
*Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star (VSM
w/1BSS)
*Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (RVNGC
w/P).
The complete DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit D.
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the
applicant on 27 Feb 15 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. Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to
demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice warranting
correction of the applicants records to reflect his entitlement
to the VCM. We took notice of the applicant's complete
submission, including attachments, 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 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 relief beyond that rendered administratively.
THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:
The applicant be notified the evidence presented did not
demonstrate the existence of material 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 documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket
Number BC-2014-03313 was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 10 Aug 14, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Memorandum, AFPC/DPAPP, dated 24 Nov 14.
Exhibit D. Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 29 Jan 15.
Exhibit E. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 27 Feb 15.AF | BCMR | CY2013 | BC 2013 05271
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