RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2003-01738
INDEX CODE: 107.00
COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: NO
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
He be awarded the Purple Heart (PH) Medal.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
During World War II on a mission to Ulm, Germany, the outside temperature
at altitude was recorded at -65 degrees. He had been in flight for over
eight hours. The sides of the airplane were open to allow gun placement.
He states that his ears were frozen and his inner ears had such intense
pressure that upon landing the flight surgeon pierced both eardrums to
relieve the pressure. Between the volumes of noise caused by the
airplanes, machine guns, along with the piercing of his eardrums, his
hearing immediately became difficult and has continued to deteriorate.
While hospitalized in Wales, England, physicians who examined his ears
indicated nothing could be done other than the use of hearing aids. He was
informed that he was eligible for the Purple Heart; however, he felt
unworthy and refused the award due to other men who had sacrificed their
limbs or who had other serious injuries.
Applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
The applicant enlisted in the Army Air Corps on 16 February 1943.
According to the applicant’s WD AGO Form 38 (Report of Physical Examination
of Enlisted Personnel Prior to Discharge, Release from Active Duty or
Retirement) there is no reference to the applicant having been wounded or
injured as a result of enemy action. The form does indicate that he had an
appendectomy and was hospitalized for three weeks in Warington, England.
On 7 October 1945, the applicant was honorably discharged in the grade of
staff sergeant under the provisions of AR 615-365 (Convenience of the
Government).
On 26 September 2003, AFPC/DPPRSP notified the applicant that he was
entitled to the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one
silver and one bronze service star, American Campaign Medal, and the World
War II Victory Medal. The awards are reflected on the applicant’s DD Form
215 (Correction to DD Form 214).
_________________________________________________________________
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DPPPR recommended denial. They indicated that the applicant has not
provided any information or documentation regarding a wound or injury
incurred as a result of enemy action. His medical records only contain
documentation pertaining to his hospitalization in England for appendicitis
from 25 June 1945 to 15 July 1945. Without any specific information or
documentation regarding an injury or wound incurred as a result of enemy
action, they are unable to verify the applicant’s eligibility for the
Purple Heart Medal.
The evaluation, with attachments, is at Exhibit C.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
On 3 October 2003, a copy of the Air Force evaluation was 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 an error or injustice. The Board notes that the Purple Heart
is awarded for wounds received as a direct result of enemy action (i.e.,
gunshot or shrapnel wounds, hand-to-hand combat wounds, or forced aircraft
bail out injuries due to the aircraft being shot down). There is no
indication in the applicant’s service medical records to substantiate that
he was injured as a direct result of enemy action. The personal sacrifice
the applicant endured for his country is noted and our decision in no way
diminishes the high regard we have for his service; however, insufficient
documentary evidence has been presented to warrant awarding him the Purple
Heart. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no
compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought.
_________________________________________________________________
THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:
The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate
the existence of an 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 BC-2003-
01738 in Executive Session on 12 November 2003 under the provisions of AFI
36-2603:
Mr. David C. Van Gasbeck, Panel Chair
Mr. James W. Russell III, Member
Ms. Patricia Kelly, Member
The following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 19 May 2003, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Available Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 24 September 2003,
w/atchs.
Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 3 October 2003.
DAVID C. VAN GASBECK
Panel Chair
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