RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2003-00238
INDEX CODE: 107.00
COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: NO
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
He be awarded the Purple Heart (PH) Medal.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
He was injured in March 1968 while in the Republic of Vietnam, when
his left hand was caught in the main gear door of an F-100 airplane.
He sustained major cuts to his wrist and middle finger and was
informed that he would be put in for a PH medal.
In support of his request, applicant submits a copy of the
radiographic report.
Applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
Applicant’s military personnel records reflect that the applicant
served on active duty from 16 March 1961 through 1 April 1987. His
medical records have not been made available for review. His enlisted
performance reports rated him for the period 2 July 1967 through 1
July 1968 as having been assigned to the 531st Tactical Fighter
Squadron, Bien Hoa AB, Vietnam. His report of separation reflects
award of the Republic of Vietnam, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze
Stars, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal with 1
silver Oak Leaf Cluster and the Meritorious Service Medal.
_________________________________________________________________
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DPPPR recommended the applicant's request be denied. The
applicant has not provided any documentation to show he was injured as
a direct result of enemy action. His request is based only on the
fact that he was in Vietnam and he was injured. Since there is no
documentation or corroborating statements from an eyewitness, his
eligibility for award of the PH cannot be verified.
The DPPPR evaluation, with attachments, is attached at Exhibit C.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on
16 May 2003 for review and comment within 30 days. As of this date,
no response has been received by this office.
_________________________________________________________________
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. After a thorough review of the
applicant’s submission and the available evidence of record, we are
not persuaded that he should be awarded the Purple Heart Medal. There
was no evidence presented, other than his own assertions, which would
lead us to believe that he was medically treated for any wounds
incurred as a direct result of enemy fire. We are not unmindful or
unappreciative of his service to his Nation. Should he secure
supporting documentation or a notarized account from an individual who
eye witnessed his injuries, we would be willing to reconsider his
application. Otherwise, without persuasive evidence that he was
wounded as a direct result of enemy action, we find no compelling
basis to warrant favorable consideration of his application.
_________________________________________________________________
THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:
The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not
demonstrate the existence of an 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 no considered with this
application.
_________________________________________________________________
The following members of the Board considered Docket Number BC-2003-
00238 in Executive Session on 1 July 2003, under the provisions of AFI
36-2603:
Ms. Brenda L. Romine, Panel Chair
Ms. Marilyn Thomas, Member
Mr. Grover L. Dunn, Member
The following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 14 January 03, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 9 May 03, w/atchs.
Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 16 May 03.
BRENDA L. ROMINE
Panel Chair
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