ADDENDUM TO
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2001-00860
XXXXXXX COUNSEL: NONE
XXXXXXX HEARING DESIRED: NO
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
He be awarded three additional Air Medals (AMs) for a total of nine AMs,
based on his completion of a total of 50 combat missions.
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
On 9 August 2001, the Board considered applicant’s request that he be
awarded two additional AMs. The Board found insufficient evidence 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
F.
In a letter, dated 21 April 2004, to his Congressman, the applicant
requests that he be awarded three additional AMs for a total of nine AMs
and provides additional documentation, i.e., a newspaper article stating he
completed a total of 50 combat missions. The applicant’s complete
submission is at Exhibit H.
The AM is awarded for heroic or meritorious achievement while participating
in aerial flight.
During World War II, the 8th and 12th Air Forces had established policies
whereby an AM was awarded upon the completion of every five combat
missions.
_________________________________________________________________
THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:
1. The Board previously denied applicant’s request for two additional AMs
for his 40 combat missions flown during his tour in the Northern Africa
Theatre of Operation. However, after reviewing the additional evidence of
record, and noting that the AM, 5 OLC, and AM, 6 OLC, were awarded during
his tour in the China-Burma-India Theatre of Operation, we find sufficient
relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of
probable error or injustice to warrant awarding two additional Air Medals
(AMs). In this respect, we note that from 23 April through 18 December
1943, applicant completed a total of 40 combat bombardment missions and was
awarded a total of six AMs. We also note that during World War II, 12th
Air Force had an established policy whereby an AM was awarded upon the
completion of every five combat missions. This is evidenced by the fact
that applicant’s AM citations indicate they were awarded for meritorious
achievement while participating in five sorties against the enemy.
However, there is no evidence he was ever awarded two additional AMs upon
the completion of his 35th and 40th combat bombardment missions, for a
total of nine AMs. In view of this, and given the total number of missions
he completed, we recommend his records be corrected to the extent indicated
below.
2. While the applicant maintains he completed a total of 50 combats
missions, he has not provided sufficient evidence to substantiate this
contention. Further, the Board is cognizant of his 12 anti-submarine
missions completed during the period 13 February through 9 March 1943;
however, we find no evidence of an established policy of recognizing the
completion of a certain number of these missions with a decoration, or that
he was recommended for a decoration for his completion of these missions.
The personal sacrifice applicant endured for his country is noted and our
decision in no way diminishes the high regard we have for his service.
_________________________________________________________________
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:
The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating
to APPLICANT be corrected to show that:
a. On 22 September 1945, he was awarded the Air Medal, Seventh Oak
Leaf Cluster, for meritorious achievement while participating in five (5)
sorties against the enemy.
b. On 23 September 1945, he was awarded the Air Medal, Eighth Oak
Leaf Cluster, for meritorious achievement while participating in five (5)
sorties against the enemy.
_________________________________________________________________
The following members of the Board considered Docket Number BC-2001-00860
in Executive Session on 8 July 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:
Mr. Gregory H. Petkoff, Panel Chair
Ms. Martha A. Maust, Member
Mr. Robert H. Altman, Member
All members voted to correct the records, as recommended. The following
documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit F. Record of Proceedings, dated 3 Oct 01, w/atchs.
Exhibit G. Letter, C/M Boehler, dated 1 May 02, w/atchs.
Exhibit H. Letter, C/M Boehler, dated 29 Apr 04, w/atchs.
GREGORY H. PETKOFF
Panel Chair
AFBCMR BC-2001-00860
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 XXXXXXX, be corrected to show that:
a. On 22 September 1945, he was awarded the Air Medal,
Seventh Oak Leaf Cluster, for meritorious achievement while participating
in five (5) sorties against the enemy.
b. On 23 September 1945, he was awarded the Air Medal, Eighth
Oak Leaf Cluster, for meritorious achievement while participating in five
(5) sorties against the enemy.
JOE G. LINEBERGER
Director
Air Force Review Boards Agency
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