ADDENDUM TO
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: 01-01193
APPLICANT COUNSEL: West VA Vet Affairs
SSN HEARING DESIRED: No
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
In the applicant’s request for reconsideration, his counsel submits
correspondence from former military members and medical personnel in
support of the applicant's request for award of the Purple Heart Medal
(PH).
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
The applicant alleges he was struck by shrapnel and sustained injuries to
his back his last day in Vietnam. He further states that a flight nurse
treated his injuries during the flight home to the United States.
The applicant submitted an appeal to the Air Force Board for Correction of
Military Records (AFBCMR) on 23 April 2001. The applicant's request was
considered and denied by the Board on 29 August 2001. For an accounting
of the facts and circumstances surrounding the applicant's eligibility in
receiving the requested decoration, and the rationale of the earlier
decision by the Board, see the Record of Proceedings at Exhibit F.
On 23 August 2001, the applicant submitted a request for reconsideration,
contending that he met the criteria and had submitted the necessary
documentation to be awarded the PH. On 7 September 2001, the applicant was
advised that his reconsideration request did not meet the criteria for
reconsideration as it contained the same information that was previously
considered (Exhibit G).
In a letter dated 11 March 2002, the applicant submitted a second request
for reconsideration, contending that he has satisfied all the criteria for
award of the PH. The applicant has submitted additional documentation to
support his request (Exhibit H).
_________________________________________________________________
THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:
After thoroughly reviewing the application and the additional
documentation submitted in support of his request, we are persuaded by the
applicant's assertions concerning his alleged injury, as substantiated by
the Line Chief, 614th Tactical Fighter Squadron, who indicated he saw the
applicant being hit by flying shrapnel from a mortar attack and then run
into a bunker. The Line Chief indicates that he saw the injury to the
applicant's back and advised him to be treated by the base doctor. It is
not surprising the applicant did not seek medical treatment because he was
apparently rotating out of Vietnam in the morning and did not want to miss
his flight. Additionally, we note the published articles regarding the
mortar attack on Phang Rang AB and the statement from a nurse who also
advised the applicant to seek medical attention for his injury. 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 his records be corrected as indicated below.
_________________________________________________________________
THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:
The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating
to the APPLICANT be corrected to show that he was awarded the Purple Heart
for injuries received during an enemy attack on Phang Rang AB, Vietnam on
18-19 June 1968.
_________________________________________________________________
The following members of the Board considered Docket Number 01-01193 in
Executive Session on 4 April 2002, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:
Mr. Frederick R. Beaman, Panel Chair
Mr. Roscoe Hinton, Jr., Member
Mr. E. David Hoard, Member
All members voted to correct the records, as recommended. The following
documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit F. Record of Proceedings, dated 29 August 2001,
with Exhibits.
Exhibit G. Applicant’s First Reconsideration Request, dated
23 August 2001, with attachments.
Exhibit H. Applicant's Second Reconsideration Request, dated
11 March 2002.
FREDERICK R. BEAMAN
Panel Chair
AFBCMR 01-01193
INDEX CODE: 107.00
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, SSN, be corrected to show that he was awarded the
Purple Heart for injuries received during an enemy attack on Phang Rang
AB, Vietnam on 18-19 June 1968.
JOE G. LINEBERGER
Director
Air Force Review Boards Agency
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