ADDENDUM TO
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: 00-02397
INDEX CODE: 107.00
APPLICANT COUNSEL: NONE INDICATED
HEARING DESIRED: NO
___________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
He be awarded the Purple Heart (PH) Medal.
___________________________________________________________________
RESUME OF THE CASE
The applicant 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.
On 11 April 2001, the applicant’s request for award of the Purple Heart
Medal was considered and denied by the Board. For an accounting of the
facts and circumstances surrounding the appeal, and, the rational of the
earlier decision by the Board, see the Record of Proceedings at Exhibit F.
In September 2001, the applicant submitted a request for reconsideration of
his request for the award of the Purple Heart Medal. In support of his
request, the applicant submitted new evidence in the form of a personal
statement from a medical corpsman indicating he treated the applicant for
wounds he received during the battle of Hill 700 in Bourgainville in 1944
(Exhibit G).
___________________________________________________________________
THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:
After again reviewing this application and the evidence provided in support
of the appeal, we are persuaded by the applicant’s assertions concerning
his alleged injury, as substantiated by the written testimony from a former
Medial Detachment 145th Infantry, 37th Division soldier who indicated he
treated the applicant for shrapnel wounds of the arm and leg that he had
sustained during the battle for “Hill 700” on the island of Bougainville in
November 1944. The absence of any information pertaining to the asserted
wounds from the existing records is not surprising in view of the confusion
that may have existed on the days following the battle in treating many of
those badly wounded. In view of the foregoing and in recognition of his
service to the nation, it is our opinion that any doubt should be resolved
in the applicant’s favor. Therefore, we recommend that his records be
corrected as 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 he was awarded the Purple Heart for
injuries he received in action against an enemy of the Unites States during
the battle for Hill 700, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, during World War
II.
_________________________________________________________________
The following members of the Board considered this application in Executive
Session on 12 October 2001, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:
Mrs. Barbara A. Westgate, Chair
Mrs. Carolyn J. Watkins, Member
Mr. Clarence D. Long III, Member
All members voted to correct the records, as recommended. The following
documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit F. Record Of Proceedings, dated 26 Apr 01, w/atchs.
Exhibit G. Applicant’s Letter dated 13 Sep 01, w/atchs.
BARBARA A. WESTGATE
Chair
AFBCMR 00-02397
MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF
Having received and considered the recommendation of the Air Force
Board for Correction of Military Records and under the authority of
Section 1552, Title 10, United States Code (70A Stat 116), it is directed
that:
The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force
relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that he was awarded the Purple
Heart for injuries he received in action against an enemy of the United
States during the battle for Hill 700, Bougainville, Solomon Islands,
during World War II.
JOE G. LINEBERGER
Director
Air Force Review Boards Agency
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