ADDENDUM TO
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-1997-01084
INDEX CODE: 107.00
COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: NO
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
His records be corrected to reflect award of the Air Medal, Fourth and Fifth Oak Leaf Clusters (AM, 4th and 5th OLCs) and the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
In the previous application, the applicant requested that he be awarded the AM, 7 OLCs. On 22 Sep 09, the Board considered and denied the request. For an accounting of the facts and circumstances surrounding the applicants request, and the rationale of the earlier decision of the Board, see the Record of Proceedings at Exhibit D.
In the current request for reconsideration, the applicant provides statements from a former crew member who states he has first-hand knowledge of the applicants combat missions. The individual states the applicant should have received the AM w/5 OLCs and the DFC for his 35 combat bombing missions during World War II.
The applicants complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit E.
_________________________________________________________________
THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:
Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice. Although sufficient documentation has been provided substantiating the applicants claim for an additional Oak Leaf Cluster to his Air Medal, we note the recommending official states that the applicant should have received two additional Oak Leaf Clusters to his Air Medal. However, we note the policy at the time changed from every five (5) combat missions to every (6) combat missions for award of an Air Medal. Hence, the applicant should have received a total of five Air Medals (basic medal and four oak leaf clusters) and a DFC. Therefore, we recommend his records be corrected to the extent indicated below.
_________________________________________________________________
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:
The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that on 25 June 1944, he was awarded the Air Medal, Fourth Oak Leaf Cluster, while performing duties in the European Theater of Operations as a Tail Gunner on a B-17 aircraft during the period 20 April 1944 to 21 July 1944.
_________________________________________________________________
The following members of the Board considered Docket Number BC-1997-01084 in Executive Session on 1 September 2010, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:
Ms. XXXX, Panel Chair
Ms. XXXX, Member
Mr. XXXX, Member
All members voted to correct the records, as recommended. The following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit D. Record of Proceedings, dated 8 Oct 09, w/atchs.
Exhibit E. Letter, Applicant, dated 19 Oct 09, w/atchs.
XXXX
Panel Chair
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