RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2004-01120
INDEX CODE: 107.00
COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: NO
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
He be awarded the Purple Heart (PH) Medal.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
After being captured by the Japanese during WWII and held as a
prisoner of war (POW), he was beaten by the guards and was injured
from those beatings.
In support of his request, the applicant submits background
documentation on the Purple Heart submitted through Congressional
channels and a copy of a Department of Veterans Affairs Rating
Decision.
Applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
The applicant’s records reflect he enlisted in the Army Air Corps on
16 October 1940, and was released from active duty on 6 April 1946.
He was a POW from 7 May 1942 until 8 October 1945. His report of
separation reflects award of the American Defense Service Ribbon with
1/BS, the American Theater of Operations Service Ribbon, Asiatic
Pacific Theater Service Ribbon, the Philippine Liberation Service
Ribbon, the Philippine Defense Service Ribbon, the Philippine
Liberation Service Ribbon, the Philippine Defense Lapel Button, the
Good Conduct Medal, the Distinguished Unit Badge with 2/OLC, and the
WWI Victory Medal.
He enlisted in the Air Force Reserves on 7 April 1946 and was
honorably discharged on 6 April 1949. He enlisted in the Air Force
Reserves on 24 September 1956, was progressively promoted to the grade
of master sergeant and was honorably discharged on 9 May 1966. On 12
July 2004, his request for the PH was disapproved by the Purple Heart
Review Board (PHRB), who determined that his request did not meet the
basic criteria of the award. On 29 July 2004, his report of
separation was corrected to reflect the POW Medal.
_________________________________________________________________
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DPPPR recommends denial of the applicant’s request for award of
the PH medal. There is no evidence in the applicant’s records that he
sustained injuries or beatings. Applicant only provided his personal
account, while a POW. Therefore, they are unable to verify his
entitlement to the PH.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 6
Aug 04 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. After a thorough review of the
applicant’s submission and the available evidence of record, the board
was not persuaded that he should be awarded the Purple Heart Medal.
There was no evidence presented, other than his own assertions, which
would lead the Board 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 his Nation. Should he
secure supporting documentation or a notarized account from an
individual who eye witnessed his injuries, we would be willing to
reconsider his application. Otherwise, without evidence that he was
wounded as a direct result of enemy action, the Board finds 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 an 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 no considered with this application.
_________________________________________________________________
The following members of the Board considered Docket Number BC-2004-
01120 in Executive Session on 14 September 2004, under the provisions
of AFI 36-2603:
Ms. Olga M. Crerar, Panel Chair
Mr. James W. Russell III, Member
Mr. John B. Hennessey, Member
The following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 2 Apr 04, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 23 Jul 04.
Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 6 Aug 04.
OLGA M. CRERAR
Panel Chair
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