RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: 02-01963
COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: NO
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
His records be corrected to reflect award of the Purple Heart Medal.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
He was wounded in a combat zone.
In support of his appeal, the applicant provided extracts from his
military personnel records.
Applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
Available documentation indicates that the applicant enlisted in the
Air Force on 6 Nov 50 for a period of four years. On 31 Jan 54, he
was retired by reason of temporary disability. He was credited with 3
years, 2 months, and 2 days of active duty service.
By General Orders Number 736, dated 12 Dec 52, the applicant was
awarded the Soldier’s Medal for an act of heroism on 23 Oct 52 at an
airbase in Korea. During a mass take-off of F-84 Thunderjet aircraft,
the applicant, who was a member of the base crash crew, observed an F-
84 burst into flames as it began to taxi. The crash crew rushed to
the aircraft in an attempt to save the pilot. Upon reaching the F-84,
which by this time had become a blazing inferno, the applicant and his
companions began to cut a rescue pattern and laid hoses on the fire in
a desperate attempt to reach the pilot. Without regard for his own
safety, the applicant worked feverishly in a race against time.
Before the cockpit could be reached, one of the 500 pound bombs slung
on the F-84 exploded, hurtling debris and shrapnel into the applicant
and the rest of the crew.
Applicant’s available records further reflect that he was awarded the
Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the
National Defense Service Medal.
_________________________________________________________________
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DPPPR recommended denial, indicating that there was no evidence
in the applicant’s military personnel records that supports that he
was injured as a direct result of enemy action. Therefore, he was not
entitled to the Purple Heart Medal.
A complete copy of the evaluation is at Exhibit C.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to applicant on 27
Sep 02 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 error or injustice. We took notice of the
applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case;
however, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force
office of primary responsibility (OPR) 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
do believe, however, 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 that the applicant met the established
criteria for award of the Purple Heart Medal. In view of the above,
and in the absence of sufficient 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 AFBCMR Docket Number 02-
01963 in Executive Session on 7 Nov 02, under the provisions of AFI 36-
2603:
Mr. Wayne R. Gracie, Panel Chair
Mr. James W. Russell III, Member
Mr. Thomas J. Topolski, Jr., Member
The following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 10 Jun 02, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 19 Sep 02.
Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 27 Sep 02.
WAYNE R. GRACIE
Panel Chair
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