ADDENDUM TO
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2002-02533
COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: YES
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
His records be corrected to show that he was awarded the Distinguished
Flying Cross (DFC), rather than the Air Medal, Fourth Oak Leaf Cluster (AM,
4 OLC).
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
On 19 November 2002, the Board considered applicant’s request. The Board
found insufficient of an error or injustice and denied the application.
For an accounting of the facts and circumstances surrounding the
application, and the rationale of the earlier decision by the Board, see
the Record of Proceedings at Exhibit E.
In a letter, dated 26 February 2003, the applicant’s Congressman requests
reconsideration of his application and provides additional documentation.
The additional documentation indicated that on 24 February 1944 he
destroyed two enemy aircraft during a combat mission to Gotha, Germany.
The complete submission is at Exhibit F.
During World War II, the 8th Air Force had an established policy whereby a
DFC was awarded upon the destruction of five enemy aircraft.
_________________________________________________________________
THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:
Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the
existence of error or injustice. In this respect, we note the applicant’s
records indicate that he destroyed one aircraft on 23 March 1944 and one
aircraft on 5 November 1944, for which he was awarded two AMs. The
additional documentation submitted by the applicant’s Congressman,
indicates that he destroyed two enemy aircraft on 24 February 1944. In
addition, the waist gunner on the 24 February 1944 mission states that the
applicant was the tail gunner on the mission and personally shot down two
FW-109s during the mission. Although a copy of the orders/citation to
accompany award of the AM, 4 OLC, are unavailable, in his letter of
19 October 2000, the applicant states that he received this award after
return to the Continental United States for destroying one enemy aircraft
during his last mission on 16 December 1944, for a total of five enemy
aircraft destroyed. The applicant further states that had he remained in
England he would have been awarded the DFC, rather than a fifth Air Medal.
Since we have no reason to question the applicant’s personal statement, and
given the 8th Air Force’s established policy during the period in question
of awarding the DFC upon the destruction of a total of five enemy aircraft,
we believe the interest of justice can best be served by resolving any
doubt in the applicant’s favor. Therefore, we recommend the applicant’s
records be corrected to the extent 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 Distinguished
Flying Cross, rather than the Air Medal, Fourth Oak Leaf Cluster, for
meritorious achievement in the destruction of five enemy airplanes while
serving as crewman on bombardment missions over enemy occupied Continental
Europe.
_________________________________________________________________
The folloing members of the Board considered Docket Number BC-2002-02533 in
Executive Session on 23 July 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:
Ms. Olga M. Crerar, Panel Chair
Ms. Barbara J. White-Olson, Member
Mr. Christopher Carey, Member
All members voted to correct the records, as recommended. The following
documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit E. Record of Proceedings, dated 19 Dec 02, w/atchs.
Exhibit F. Letter, Congressman Andrews, dated 26 Feb 03,
w/atchs.
OLGA M. CRERAR
Panel Chair
AFBCMR BC-2002-02533
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
Distinguished Flying Cross, rather than the Air Medal, Fourth Oak Leaf
Cluster, for meritorious achievement in the destruction of five enemy
airplanes while serving as crewman on bombardment missions over enemy
occupied Continental Europe.
JOE G. LINEBERGER
Director
Air Force Review Boards Agency
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