RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2004-00833
XXXXXXX COUNSEL: None
XXXXXXX HEARING DESIRED: No
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
He be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for missions flown
during World War II.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
He cannot prove the things he had done or what happened to him unless
he has a complete service record.
In support of his appeal, the applicant submits a personal letter and
a copy of his discharge.
Applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
Apparently, the applicant’s records at the National Personnel Records
Center in St. Louis were destroyed by the 1973 fire. The available
information provided by the applicant included an Honorable Discharge
Certificate, stating he was discharged in the grade of staff sergeant
on 4 November 1945. His Report of Separation reflects the award of
the American Theater Ribbon, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign
Medal with 3 Bronze Service Star, Good Conduct Medal, the Air Medal
with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters and the Victory Medal World War II.
_________________________________________________________________
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DPPPR recommended denial and states that they are unable to find
evidence of a recommendation for, or award of the DFC.
AFPC/DPPPR evaluation, with attachments, is at Exhibit B.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
A complete copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the
applicant on 1 June 2001, for review and response. As of this date,
no response has been received by this office.
Applicant’s complete response is at Exhibit C.
_________________________________________________________________
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 opinion and recommendation of the Air Force
office of primary responsibility (OPR) and adopt their rationale as
the basis for our decision that the applicant has failed to sustain
his burden that he has suffered either an error or an injustice. We
believe it should be pointed out that the applicant’s decorated
service and sacrifice for his country have not gone unnoticed.
Notwithstanding this, no evidence has been presented which has shown
to our satisfaction that the applicant met the established criteria
for award of the DFC. In view of the above and in the absence of
sufficient 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 AFBCMR Docket Number BC-
2004-00833 in Executive Session on 27 July 2004, under the provisions
of AFI 36-2603:
Ms. Cathlynn B. Sparks, Panel Chair
Ms. Barbara R. Murray, Member
Ms. Renee M. Collier, Member
The following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 26 Jan 04, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 28 May 04, w/atchs.
Exhibit C. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 4 Jun 04.
CATHLYNN B. SPARKS
Panel Chair
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