ADDENDUM TO RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2010-01587-2 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His records be corrected to reflect he was awarded the following decorations: 1. Purple Heart (PH) Medal with two oak leaf clusters (2 OLCs). 2. Airman’s Medal (AmnM) w/4 OLCs. 3. Bronze Star Medal (BSM) w/37 OLCs. 4. Meritorious Service Medal (MSM). ________________________________________________________________ RESUME OF CASE: On 4 Nov 12, the Board considered and denied a similar appeal. For an accounting of the facts and circumstances surrounding the applicant’s requests, and the rationale of the earlier decision by the Board, see the Record of Proceedings at Exhibit G. The PH Medal is awarded for wounds received as a direct result of enemy actions (i.e. gunshot or shrapnel wounds, hand-to-hand combat wounds, forced aircraft bail out injuries, etc.). In addition, it is necessary that the wound required or received treatment by medical personnel. Indirect injuries do not meet the criteria for the award of the PH Medal. These include, but are not limited to injuries received while seeking shelter from mortar or rocket attacks, aircraft bombings, or grenades. The AmnM is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States or of a friendly nation who, while serving in any capacity with the United States Air Force after the date of the award's authorization, who have distinguished himself or herself by a heroic act, usually at the voluntary risk of his or her life but not involving actual combat. The saving of a life or the success of the voluntary heroic act is not essential. The BSM recognizes acts of heroism performed in ground combat if they are of lesser degree than that required for the Silver Star. It also recognizes single acts of merit and meritorious service if the achievement or service is of a lesser degree than that deemed worthy of the Legion of Merit; but such service must have been accomplished with distinction. The MSM may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who distinguishes themselves by either outstanding achievement or meritorious service to the United States. It was established by Executive Order 11448 on 16 Jan 69. This award was established as the counterpart of the BSM for the recognition of meritorious noncombatant service. In a letter, dated 12 Jul 13, on behalf of the applicant, the applicant’s former supervisor requests reconsideration of the MSM, PH Medal, and five BSMs based on the eye witness accounts of himself and others, of the applicant’s service and overall leadership characteristics while stationed in Vietnam. He agrees that the applicant has not provided substantiation for award of the PH but request the Board to consider some kind of an award for the applicant. Additionally, he also submitted a recommendation for award of the MSM, under the provisions of DoD 1348.33-M, dated Sep 96 which included a narrative description of the applicant’s outstanding service and accomplishments while assigned to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada during the period of 1 Dec 68 to 8 Jun 72. Lastly, he provides a statement expressing his view of the applicant’s accomplishments under his supervision and admitting to not having an excuse for not recognizing his deeds over 42 years ago. He reiterates that the applicant should without question be awarded the MSM (Exhibit H). The applicant provides four additional statements from his subordinates who served alongside him and gives an eyewitness account for his accomplishments and distinguished service. They are all four in agreement that that applicant should be awarded the requested awards (Exhibit I). In a letter, dated 26 Feb 14, the applicant requests reconsideration based upon newly-discovered evidence not reasonably available at the time of his initial application. The newly-discovered evidence includes photographs of aircraft fully engulfed by fire, a Combat Operation After Action Report, dated 19 Sep 68, and signed supporting statements from personnel who assert they can attest to the applicant’s achievements while in Vietnam. The applicant contends that the documents provided prove that he is deserving of the requested decorations. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit J. ________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT: After again reviewing this application and the supporting statements and recommendations provided by the applicant’s supervisor and former subordinates at the time, we remain unconvinced that any relief is warranted. As such, we conclude the applicant has again failed to sustain his burden of proof that he has been of the victim of an error or injustice. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application. ________________________________________________________________ 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 members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2010-01587-2 in Executive Session on 29 Jul 14, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: , Panel Chair , Member , Member The following documentary evidence was considered: Exhibit G. Record of Proceedings, dated 4 Nov 12, w/atchs. Exhibit H. Letter, Applicant’s Supervisor, dated 12 Jul 13. Exhibit I. Letters, Applicant’s Subordinates, w/atchs. Exhibit J. Letter, Applicant, dated 26 Feb 14, w/atchs.