RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2003-00355
INDEX CODE: 107.00
COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: NO
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
1. He be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).
2. He be promoted to the grade of master sergeant based on the fact
that he was a Prisoner of War (POW) during World War II.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
What brought on this request was last month he attended a reunion of
his old bomb group (384th). While talking with many of the men, the
conversation got around to awards and medals. He was shot down on his
21st mission and taken as a prisoner of war (POW). All of the men
that he spoke to received the DFC after flying 21, 22, 23, 24 or 25
missions. Most of these men started flying combat after he was shot
down. He also learned that the 384th Bomb Group received a group
citation for an air strike in January of 1944, which he was a part of.
There is no injustice in his case. He is simply requesting
advancement as a former POW.
In support of the appeal, applicant submits a personal statement, a
copy of his DD Form 214, a copy of his discharge certificate and a
copy of request for promotion.
Applicant's complete submission, with attachments, is attached at
Exhibit A.
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
Applicant enlisted in the Army Air Force on 5 August 1942.
Applicant served on Active Duty during the period 19 August 1942 to 6
September 1945, with an overseas tour in Europe during the period 30
September 1943 to 2 June 1945. He was shot down and taken POW in
Austria on 13 April 1944 and returned to military control on 3 May
1945. His Report of Separation reflects award of the Air Medal with 3
Oak Leaf Clusters. He is also entitled to the American Campaign
Medal, World War II Victory medal, European-African-Middle Eastern
Campaign Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, and POW Medal. His Report
of Separation has been updated to reflect all verified awards and
decorations.
On 19 February 2003, DPPPR informed the applicant that his records
were destroyed in the 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records
Center, and he had not provided any documentation to show that he was
recommended for award of the DFC. He was asked to withdraw his
application until such time that he could obtain a signed and endorsed
recommendation package for the DFC. He did not respond.
_________________________________________________________________
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DPPPR states that the applicant has not provided any
documentation showing he was recommended for, or awarded, the DFC.
The DFC is not awarded for having been shot down and taken POW when an
individual has already received recognition for aerial achievements.
Therefore, they recommend denial of applicant’s request.
A complete copy of the evaluation, with attachment, is attached at
Exhibit C.
AFPC/DPPPWB states that a review of the applicant’s record indicates
he was a POW from 13 April 1944 to 3 May 1945, approximately 13
months. Military Personnel Division, ASF, Department of the Army
Message 212259Z Sep 45, states that recovered personnel must have been
absent from military control under honorable conditions for eighteen
months or longer, and have not yet received a one grade promotion
since return to military control, in order to be eligible for a POW
promotion. Since the applicant was a POW for approximately 13 months,
he does not meet the prerequisites for a promotion. Therefore, they
recommend denial of applicant’s request.
A complete copy of their evaluation is attached at Exhibit D.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
On 30 May 2003, copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to
the applicant for review and response 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. 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 the conclusion that
the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.
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 this application, Docket
No. BC-2003-00355 in Executive Session on 9 July 2003, under the
provisions of AFI 36-2603:
Ms. Brenda L. Romine, Panel Chair
Mr. E. David Hoard, Member
Mr. James W. Russell III, Member
The following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Forms 149, dated 9 Oct 02, and 6 Feb 03,
w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 9 May 03, w/atchs.
Exhibit D. Letter, AFPC/DPPPWB, dated 12 May 03, w/atch.
Exhibit E. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 30 May 03.
BRENDA L. ROMINE
Panel Chair
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