How can I get Credit for my service in Vietnam ?

2022-04-09T09:14:13-04:00

I was drafted during the Vietnam era, so I joined the Ar Force. I was stationed at Naha AB on Okinawa and did a 3 month TDY in Vietnam at Cam Rahn Bay. When I separated 27 Apr 73 I was informed by the 2nd Lt that my records did not show service in Vietnam. I told him that was wrong. He said it could be a couple of days to check it and I told him that I just want to get out not realizing the importance. Now, I don't need the benefits but I do want credit for serving in combat during Vietnam. My DD214 says Vietnam -NO. Not too long ago I found my old duffel bag and in it I found my orders to go to Cam Ranh. I would appreciate an information on how to get credit for my Vietnam Service. TIA.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Apr 9 at 2022 10:31 AM

2022-04-09T10:31:34-04:00

If you have the proof, the National Archives can issue a DD215 indicating the missing service items.

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Apr 9 at 2022 4:15 PM

2022-04-09T16:15:08-04:00

You SHOULD Be Able To Get Confirmation Through Your Former CO & The Men You Served With;
If Necessary.
When I Stepped Off The Plane In South Korea, And Checked In To My New Squadron,
They Had No Records Which Indicated I Was Supposed To Be There..
Took Them About 3 Months To Even Locate My Files...
Had I Gone AWOL, Nobody Would Have Noticed.
Good Thing For Me Though, I Had A Blast At OSAN In 64' - 65'.
When South Korea Was Still An Adventure.....

I Loved The History While Personally Seeing South Korea And It's People..
BTW, If Your Ass Is In a Sling Get A South Korean Soldier For Back-Up.
Those Guys Are A "1 Man Platoon"
And Tougher That Rail Road Spikes When It Comes To Combat
And Great Friends To Have At ANY Time..

Thanks QUAN.....You Were A Wonderful Military Companion
And A Marvelous Friend...

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Apr 9 at 2022 6:32 PM

2022-04-09T18:32:32-04:00

HEY, JOE,
My Brother, JIm, Did Exactly That Also.
Exactly As You Stated..." I was drafted during the Vietnam era, so I joined the Ar Force."

He'd Been A Merchant Marine At 17 And Was Passing Through The Panama Canal, Where Our Family Had A Few Connections. He Liked Panama, So On His Return Trip Through The Canal, He Disembarked & Worked For The "Panama Canal Authorities"; And Got To Know Others Including The Base Commander.
About 2 Years Later He Received His Draft Orders.
Took Them To The Base Commander, Who Later Made A Few Calls & Arranged For Jim To Join The USAF And Continue With His Same Job At Albrook Air Force Base
PLUS Jim Wasn't Even Required To Go Through Basic Training Either..
He Just Put On His Uniform & Went Back To Work.
WHICH, BTW, Scared The Crap Out Of His Other Military Co-Workers As They Thought, Sure As Hell,
Jim MUST Be With The OSI Or CIA. .LOL
From That Day Forward,....He Coasted Through The USAF.,

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2022 10:29 PM

2022-04-09T22:29:58-04:00

If you have a copy of your orders you should be able to submit a copy with a DD Form 215 to request a change in your record as well as request any applicable campaign or service medals you are due to be updated as well.

While I am not 100% sure; you should have the National Defense Service Medal and may be eligible for the Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Campaign Star and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Apr 9 at 2022 10:42 PM

2022-04-09T22:42:44-04:00

If You have the assignment orders the Air Force Personnel Center should be able to help You. here is 24/7 access by calling [login to see] which would then direct You to the proper section to assist You. The Air Force Personnel Center, AFPC can be accessed on the computer also for information. There is a function for correction of Military records to a make corrections or even add credit or decoration for things missing from Your DD Form 214, Discharge or Your Military Personnel records. I've had a correction of Military Records before which resulted in a promotion with 6 months back pay as one example. I've also been credited with decorations I had not been awarded which were added to My Military Personnel Record and I was also issued a complete set of all the hanging Medals and ribbons and printout of all the awards I was ever authorized.

As I had earlier mentioned Copies of assignment orders are very good documents to use and would enable them also to see if You were entitled to any unit awards while You were assigned to certain locations at the time those awards were made. One of the things that would need to be done is to submit a DD Form 149, Correction of Military Records and the address to mail it to is provided right on the form. That form would have to be used no matter which avenue You approached to get any correction made that You needed. The DD Form 149 is a three page document with page 3 being instructions for preparing the form, addresses to send to for any branch of the US Armed Forces and can be raised on Your home computer. I do know from My own experience it works ! I hope this information is helpful to You.

Response by SMSgt Kent Brown made Apr 9 at 2022 10:46 PM

2022-04-09T22:46:04-04:00

Prove you were there and you will get credit. It's a pretty straight forward process. But you have to be able to prove it.