RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2003-02904
COUNSEL: None
HEARING DESIRED: No
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
He be awarded the Purple Heart (PH) for wounds received at Cam Ranh Bay,
Vietnam.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
He was wounded in the shoulder and suffered a broken left heel. The medics
told him not to apply for the medal.
In support of his request, applicant submits copy of an email and DD Form
214.
Applicant's complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force as an airman basic on 25
June 1965 for a period of four. He separated on 24 June 1969 after
completing 4 years of total active military service.
Applicant served in Vietnam during the period of 8 July 1966 to 4 July
1967. He was then transferred to Dyess AFB, TX. His records show he was
on temporary orders to Lajes AB in Azores and to Goose Bay AB in Labrador
for approximately 30 days to participate in an exercise, beginning on or
about 9 August 1968, from Dyess AFB TX. He medical records showed he had
broke his foot in 1969 at Dyess AFB, TX, when he slipped and fell out of a
trailer.
_________________________________________________________________
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DPPPR recommended denial and stated the applicant has not provided any
information such as a specific date or a specific injury, or any official
documentation to substantiate his claim that he was in Cam Ranh Bay in 1968
or that he was injured as a result of enemy action while in Vietnam. Since
the applicant has not provided the necessary information, or any
documentation, to substantiate his claim, we are unable to verify his
eligibility for award of the Purple Heart.
AFPC/DPPPR evaluation is attached at Exhibit C.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
Applicant reviewed the Air Force evaluation and stated he gave the Board
his sergeant’s name. Again, “TSgt B_” was in charge and he could testify
to his injuries.
They were on temporary duty (TDY) from Dyess AFB TX to Japan and
transferred to Cam Ranh Bay Vietnam. The night of that attack, he was at
the back of the hut when a rocket went off. They all ran to the front,
when he fell and someone stepped on his foot, breaking it. This is when he
notice his hand was covered with blood. Upon examination, the medics
treated him for a flesh wound in the shoulder and a broker leg. The medics
talked him out of submitting paperwork for the Purple Heart.
Applicant’s complete response is at Exhibit E.
_________________________________________________________________
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. We took notice of
his complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we
agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office of
primary responsibility and adopt its rationale as the basis for our
conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or
injustice. 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 this Nation and should he secure
supporting documentation from his medical records, from the Veterans
Administration, or an account from an individual who eyewitnessed 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 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-2003-02904
in Executive Session on 31 March 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:
Mr. Thomas S. Markiewicz, Chair
Ms. Leslie E. Abbott, member
Ms. Renee M. Collier, Member
The following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 13 Aug 03, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPPR, dated 14 Jan 04.
Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 23 Jan 04.
THOMAS S. MARKIEWICZ
Chair
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