RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: 00-02119
INDEX CODE: 107.00
COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: NO
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
He be awarded the Purple Heart (PH) medal (first oak leaf cluster) for
being a Prisoner of War (POW) in Germany from 16 Feb 45 to 29 Apr 45.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
His plane was shot down over Germany and he became a POW.
In support of his request, applicant submits copies of his Enlisted Record
and Report of Separation, WD AGO Form 53-55, and his discharge certificate
(Exhibit A).
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
The applicant’s WD AGO Form 53-55, Enlisted Record and Report of
Separation, reveals that the applicant served on active duty during the
period 26 Mar 43 - 5 Nov 45, with an overseas tour in Europe during the
period of 16 Jan 45 - 18 May 45. The applicant received two Bronze Star
medals (Rhineland and Central Europe campaigns) and the Purple Heart medal.
The wounds he received in action were over the North Sea on 16 Feb 45.
The applicant’s case file reveals that he was a POW from 16 Feb 45 to 29
Apr 45. In view of the foregoing, the Separations Branch (HQ AFPC/DPPRSP)
administratively corrected the applicant’s discharge document to reflect he
was awarded a POW medal (Germany, 16 Feb - 29 Apr 45).
_________________________________________________________________
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
The Recognition Programs Branch, HQ AFPC/DPPPR, stated that the applicant
was provided the criteria for award of the PH. DPPPR indicated that the
applicant did not respond to their request that he provide additional
information to substantiate his claim. DPPPR found no evidence in the
applicant’s military personnel records that support he was injured as a
direct result of enemy action. Therefore, DPPPR recommended the
applicant’s request for award of the PH be denied. A complete copy of this
evaluation is appended at Exhibit C.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to applicant on 6 April
2001 for review and response. As of this date, no response has been
received by this office (Exhibit D).
_________________________________________________________________
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. After thoroughly reviewing the
evidence of record and noting the applicant’s contentions, we are
unpersuaded that he has been the victim of an error or injustice. The
applicant has been asked by the Air Force office of primary responsibility
to provide additional information that would indicate his injuries meet the
criteria for the Purple Heart, but he has failed to do so. The personal
sacrifice the applicant endured for his country is noted and our decision
should in no way lessen his service; however, insufficient documentary
evidence has been presented to warrant awarding him the Purple Heart for
being a Prisoner of War (POW). Therefore, in the absence of evidence to
the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief
sought in 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 22 May 2001, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:
Mr. Richard A. Peterson, Panel Chair
Mr. Roscoe Hinton Jr., Member
Mr. Jay H. Jordan, Member
The following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 12 Oct 00, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPPR, dated 13 Mar 01, w/atch.
Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MIBR, dated 6 Apr 01.
RICHARD A. PETERSON
Panel Chair
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