RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2003-02859
COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: YES
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
His record be corrected to reflect the award of the Purple Heart (PH).
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
He was injured during an air raid on Munda, Solomon Islands by a
Japanese bomber. He was treated for facial injuries in a field
hospital located on Munda, Solomon Islands.
In support of his request applicant submits a personal statement,
copies of a request pertaining to military records, report of physical
examination prior to discharge, and an honorable discharge
certificate.
Applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
Applicant’s military personnel records were destroyed by fire in 1973.
The available records reflect that the applicant entered the U.S.
Army Air Corps on 14 October 1942 and served until 20 December
1945.
On 29 December 2003, the Recognition Programs Branch, HQ AFPC/DPPPRA,
requested the applicant to provide additional information relative to
his alleged injury. No response was received.
There is no entry of injury found in his military records and Item 34
on his Report of Separation, Wounds Received in Action reflects
“None.” Without the detailed account of the circumstances regarding
his injury, medical documentation to prove his injury required or
received treatment, and any eyewitness statements proving injury,
DPPPR unable to verify the applicant’s eligibility for the award of
the Purple Heart.
_________________________________________________________________
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DPPPR reviewed the applicant’s request and recommended denial.
To be awarded the Purple Heart (PH), a member must provide
documentation to support that wounds were a direct result of enemy
action and that the wounds required or received medical treatment by
medical personnel. There is no documentation in his military
personnel record to indicate that his wounds were as a direct result
of enemy action.
AFPC/DPPPR complete evaluation is attached at Exhibit C.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to applicant on 19
March 2004 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 that would indicate he should be
awarded the Purple Heart. We took notice of the applicant's complete
submission in judging the merits of the case; however, evidence has
not been presented which would lead us to believe that his injuries
were incurred as a direct result of enemy fire. Therefore, we agree
with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office of primary
responsibility and adopt their rationale as the basis for our
conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or
injustice. In the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no
compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this
application.
4. The applicant's case is adequately documented and it has not been
shown that a personal appearance with or without counsel will
materially add to our understanding of the issue involved. Therefore,
the request for a hearing is not favorably considered.
_________________________________________________________________
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 Docket Number BC-2003-
02859 in Executive Session on 3 June 2004, under the provisions of AFI
36-2603:
Mr. Gregory H. Petkoff, Panel Chair
Ms. Renee M. Collier, member
Ms. Martha A. Maust, Member
The following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 1 Sept 03, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Applicant's VA Records.
Exhibit C. Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPPR, dated 16 Mar 04.
Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 19 Mar 04.
GREGORY H. PETKOFF
Panel Chair
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