RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 

AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS 

 

IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2009-01197 

 COUNSEL: NONE 

 HEARING DESIRED: NO 

 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: 

 

Her husband be awarded the Purple Heart (PH) Medal. 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: 

 

Her husband should be awarded the PH for being shot in his right 
leg by sniper fire while he was stationed in Germany. The 
applicant writes a statement on his behalf because he is not able 
to write it himself. The statement says he was put in the 
hospital after securing a town in Germany. His leg was shattered 
and while in the hospital he received a metal plate in his leg. 

 

In support of her request, applicant provides a statement from 
the former member prior to his death, a copy of his discharge 
certificate, and a copy of his WD AGO Form 53, Honorable 
Discharge. 

 

Her complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

STATEMENT OF FACTS: 

 

The former member enlisted in the Army Air Force on 17 Dec 45 and 
was progressively promoted to the grade of sergeant. He received 
an honorable discharge on 3 Jun 48. He served on active duty for 
3 years and 6 months. 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

AIR FORCE EVALUATION: 

 

AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial. DPISDR states that the PH is 
awarded for injuries as a direct result of enemy action. The 
applicant did not provide any medical records that document the 
incident or eyewitness statements that support her contentions. 
In order for the former member to be considered by the Purple 
Heart Review Board (PHRB), the former member must have met 
several criterions; 1) provide a personal statement of the 
specific event, 2) provide medical documentation reflecting the 
occurrence and any treatment received, and 3) if possible, 


eyewitness account of the incident who can confirm the episode 
actually happened. 

 

The DPSIDR complete evaluation is at Exhibit C. 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: 

 

The applicant responded by stating her husband died on 13 Sep 08. 
She has no way to acquire any other documentation to prove he is 
entitled the PH. 

 

Her complete rebuttal is at Exhibit E. 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

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. After a 
thorough review of the available evidence and applicant’s 
complete submission, we find no evidence the former member’s 
records should be corrected to show he was awarded the PH. As 
such, 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 former member has not been 
the victim of an error or injustice. The military member’s 
honorable service is noted. Regrettably, we do not find the 
evidence submitted is sufficient to recommend granting the 
requested relief. 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

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. 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 


The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number 
BC-2009-01197 in Executive Session 12 Nov 09, under the provisions 
of AFI 36-2603: 

 

 , Panel Chair 

 , Member 

 , Member 

 

The following documentary evidence was considered: 

 

 Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 22 Aug 08, w/atchs. 

 Exhibit B. Letter, AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 17 Sep 09. 

 Exhibit C. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 9 Oct 09. 

 Exhibit D. Letter, Applicant, 17 Oct 09. 

 

 

 

 

 

 Panel Chair