DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
WASHINGTON DC
OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY
J
AFBCMR 94-02473
MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF
Under the authority of Section 1552, Title 10, United States
Code, Air Force Regulation 31-3, and having assured compliance
with the provisions of the above regulation, the decision of the
Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records is announced,
and it is directed that:
The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air
Force relating to k , "I, be corrected to
show that on 1 October 1943, he was awarded the Purple Heart
(posthumously) for injuries sustained while on a mission over
hostile enemy territory in September 1943.
V
Air Force Board for Correction
of Military Records
4
c
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
WASHINGTON DC
OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY
AFBCMR 94-02473
MAR 0 8 1995
MEMORANDUM OF CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATION BEFORE THE AFBCMR
SUBJECT :
DECEASED , _L__
Having carefully reviewed this application, we agree with
the recommendation of the Air Staff and adopt the rationale
expressed as the basis for our decision that the applicant has
been the victim of either an error or an injustice.
under the authority delegated in AFR 31-3, the applicant's
records will be corrected as set forth in the accompanying
Memorandum for the Chief of Staff signed by the Executive
Director of the Board or his designee.
Therefore,
Attachment:
Ltr, AFMPC/DPMASA, dtd 12 Feb 95
Panel Chairman
ADDENDUM TO
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
The following members of the Air Force Board for Correction of
Military Records considered this case in Executive Session on
7 Mar 1995, in accordance with AFR 31-3 and 10 USC 1552.
Mr. Oscar A. Goldfarb, Panel Chairman
Mr. Richard A. Peterson, IV, Member
Mr. Vaughn E. Schlunz, Member
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
HEADQUARTERS AIR FORCE MILITARY PERSONNEL CENTER
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE TEXAS
MEMORANDUM FOR AFBCMR
FROM: HQ AFMPC/DPMASA
550 C Street West Suite 12
Randolph AFB TX 78150-4710
SUBJ: Application for Correction of Military Records --
llcJlk-
- ACTION MEMORANDUM
Reference: DD Form 149, 5 May 1984
REQUESTED ACTION. Applicant is requesting the posthumous award of
the Purple Heart for injuries and subsequent death of his uncle. The
deceased member served in World War 11.
FACTS :
a. The Purple Heart (PH) is awarded for wounds received as a direct
result of enemy actions (Le., gunshot or shrapnel wounds, hand-to-
hand combat wounds, forced aircraft bail-out injuries, etc.) Indirect
injuries do not meet the criteria for the award of the PH.
b. World War I1 veterans should provide documentation verifying
the injuries received medical attention. The members current
physician may provide documentation stating: the member may have
sustained injuries that would have required medical attention had
medical attention been available.
c. For the purposes of award, indirect results of enemy action ake
not a basis for award of the PH. Indirect results include, but are
not restricted to:
(1) Disease (malnutrition, dysentery, pneumonia, etc.) .
(2) Exposure (climatic conditions, including frostbite).
( 3 ) Injury incurred as a secondary effect of enemy action,
L e . , bailing out of a disabled aircraft, mid-air collision of allied
aircraft over enemy territory, etc.
(4) Wounds, injuries, diseases or death incurred by, and/or
resulting from brutalities, negligence or forced labor inflicted by
the enemy while in POW status.
d. The statement in the letter provided by a member of the
deceased members crew, indicates injuries to the crew may have been
caused by enemy forces. Medical documentation was not provided,
however under the circumstances, it would have been virtually
impossible to obtain medical attention.
DISCUSSION. The criteria for award of the Purple Heart does not
provide a clear determination for members, who may have died from
sustained injuries. This is particularly troublesome for members
serving during World War 11. In this particular case, an eyewitness
provided information, however limited, which strongly suggest, the
member may have been injured by an attack from an enemy force.
RECOMMENDATION. Our recommendation is to award (posthumously) the
Purple Heart to the family of the deceased member. The statement by
prior
the eyewitness and the strong possibility of incurred injuries
to death, was a major factor in our decision for recommendation of the
award.
initiate and provide all award elements.
Should the board accept our recommendation this office will
FQR THE COMMANDER n
Lkecog & Spec Prgms Div
Attachment:
DD Form 149
cc:
SAF - MI BR
He should be awarded the PH based on wounds he received when his aircraft was hit by enemy flak while on a bombing mission to Berlin, Germany, during World War 11. The PH is awarded for wounds received as a direct result of enemy actions (Le., gunshot or shrapnel wounds, hand-to-hand combat wounds, forced aircraft bail out injuries, etc.). The applicant's former aircrew members have provided statements indicating that the applicant was wounded when their aircraft was hit by enemy flak and...
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DPSIDRA states they were unable to locate any official medical documentation verifying the applicant was ever recommended for or awarded the PH, nor were they able to locate any official documentation verifying the applicant received an injury by direct result of enemy action during World War II (WWII). DPSIDRA notes that according to the VA Form 21-526, Veterans Application for Compensation or Pension, box 19 shows the only sickness, disease, or injury claimed by the...