RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: 02-00531
INDEX CODE: 110.00
APPLICANT COUNSEL: None
SSN HEARING DESIRED: No
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
His records be corrected to reflect he was awarded the Distinguished
Flying Cross (DFC).
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
He received the Air Medal (AM) with four oak leaf clusters, but his
actions in combat clearly merits the higher award.
He further states that the entire 5th Air Force received the AM for
the combat mission, but he was individually nominated for the DFC for
landing a damaged aircraft as a result of combat action.
Applicant's complete submission, with attachments, is attached at
Exhibit A.
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
Applicant's military personnel records were destroyed by fire in 1973.
The relevant facts pertaining to this application, extracted from the
applicant's available military records, are contained in the letter
prepared by the appropriate office of the Air Force.
_________________________________________________________________
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DPPPR states the applicant has not provided a recommendation
package or any documentation from his chain of command to support that
he was recommended for the DFC or, that an award package was submitted
through official channels. The applicant was awarded the AM w/4 OLC
for his actions during the combat mission in Oct 44, therefore, he is
not eligible for another decoration for the same date and
accomplishment.
Based on the information provided, DPPPR recommends denying the
applicant's request.
A complete copy of the Air Force evaluation is attached at Exhibit C.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
The applicant reviewed the Air Force evaluation and submitted
previously received documentation to support his request for award of
the DFC (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 an error or injustice. We took notice of the
applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case;
however, we agree with the opinions and recommendations of the Air
Force and adopt their rationale as the basis for our decision that the
applicant has failed to sustain his burden that he has suffered either
an error or an injustice. We believe it should be pointed out that
the applicant's decorated service and sacrifice for his country has
not gone unnoticed. Notwithstanding this, no evidence has been
presented which has shown to our satisfaction to support or prove the
applicant was nominated and awarded the DFC. Furthermore, the
applicant was awarded the AM w/4 OLC for his actions on 10 Oct 44 and
is not eligible to receive another decoration for the same actions.
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 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 Docket Number 02-
00531 in Executive Session on May 7, 2002, under the provisions of
AFI 36-2603:
Mr. Vaughn E. Schlunz, Panel Chair
Mr. Grover L. Dunn, Member
Mr. George Franklin, Member
The following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 7 Mar 01, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPPR, undated.
Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 15 Mar 02.
Exhibit E. Applicant’s Response, dated 8 Apr 02.
VAUGHN E. SCHLUNZ
Panel Chair
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