RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: 00-02397
INDEX CODE: 107.00
COUNSEL: NONE INDICATED
HEARING DESIRED: NO
___________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
He be awarded the Purple Heart (PH) Medal.
___________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
While surrounded on Hill 700 Bougainville for more than a week in late
November 1943-1944, he received shrapnel wounds to his arms, thighs and
legs on two separate occasions and his wounds were tended by field medics.
In support of the application, the applicant provides a personal statement,
a statement from a former soldier, copy of his separation record, and a
copy of a news article from the Internet.
A complete copy of the submission is at Exhibit A.
___________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
The majority of the applicant's records were lost or destroyed and efforts
at reconstruction have been unsuccessful. The following is extracted from
the applicant's limited available service records.
The applicant was inducted into the United States Army on 26 November 1941
and was thereafter ordered to active duty. He performed duty as a combat
infantryman and served in the South Pacific Theater of Operations from 16
July 1942 to 2 November 1944. He was honorably discharged in the grade of
Private First Class on 4 September 1945. He received the Asian Pacific
Theater Service Medal, the American Defense Service Medal with four
Overseas Service Bars and the Army Good Conduct Medal.
__________________________________________________________________
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
The Recognition Programs Branch, AFPC/DPPPR, indicated that the PH is
awarded for wounds received as a direct result of enemy action. The member
must provide documentation to support the injury was as a direct result of
enemy action and that he received medical treatment by medical personnel
for said wound. Indirect injuries which do not meet the PH criteria
include, but are not limited to, injuries received while seeking shelter
from mortar or rocket attacks, aircraft accidents, grenades, diseases and
exposure. On 9 February 2001 DPPPR notified the applicant of the criteria
required for the award of the Purple Heart Medal and to provide additional
information to include any eyewitness statements, which would substantiate
his claim. The applicant failed to respond to this request and there is no
evidence in the applicant's records that he had been injured as a result of
direct enemy action. Therefore, DPPPR recommends the applicant's request
be denied.
A complete copy of the advisory is at Exhibit C.
___________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
The applicant reviewed the Air Force evaluation and in rebuttal submitted a
statement from a former soldier that was submitted with his original
application (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 probable error or injustice warranting award of the Purple
Heart (PH). We took notice of the applicant’s complete submission in
judging the merits of the case including the letter from a former soldier
indicating that the applicant was wounded on Hill 700 Bougainville in 1943.
However, there was no evidence presented indicating he was medically
treated for any wounds during that timeframe. Should the applicant secure
documentation in suuport of his assertion in the form of statements of
possible witnesses to the events under review; or, evidence from his
medical records or from the Veterans Administration indicating the presence
of wounds or scars which could have been the result of injuries he
inidcates he suffered, the Board would reconsider his application. While
we are not unmindful or unappreciative of the applicant’s service to the
nation , in the absence of evidence to support that he was wounded as a
result of enemy action, we agree with the opinion of the Air Force and find
no compelling basis to warrant favorable consideration of this application.
_________________________________________________________________
THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:
The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate
the existence of probable 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 this application in Executive
Session on 11 April 2001, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:
Mrs. Barbara A. Westgate, Chair
Mrs. Carolyn J. Watkins, Member
Mr. Clarence D. Long, III, Member
The following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 3 Apr 00 w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 2 Feb 01.
Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MIBR, dated 23 Feb 01.
Exhibit E. Applicant’s Letter, dated 27 Feb 01.
BARBARA A. WESTGATE
Chair
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