RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2004-01603
INDEX CODE: 107.00
COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: NO
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
He be awarded the Purple Heart (PH) Medal.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
The award is not listed on his DD Form 214.
Applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
During the time period in question, the applicant enlisted in the Regular
Air Force on 7 November 1966. He was honorably released on 3 November 1970
in the grade of sergeant under the provisions of AFM 39-10. Subsequently,
the applicant served in the Air Force Reserves, Army Reserves, and the
Hawaii Air National Guard.
According to the applicant’s DD Form 214 - Armed Forces of the United
States Report of Transfer or Discharge, with a separation date of 3
November 1970, he received the following decorations and citations:
National Defense Service Medal (NDSM), Vietnam Service Medal with One
Bronze Service Star (VSM w/1BSS), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
(RVCM), and the Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM).
On 27 March 2003, a Department of Veterans Affairs Rating Decision
indicates the applicant is receiving compensation for the following:
Residuals, head injury, with headaches: 0% from 29 October 1973,
10% from 12 September 1975, and 50% from 24 May 1999.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): 30% from 21 January 2000.
Left shoulder injury (minor): 10% from 24 August 1994 and 20% from
22 January 2001.
Keloid scar, left shoulder (minor): 10% from 27 December 1972, 0%
from 1 February 1983, and 10% from 2 October 1997.
_________________________________________________________________
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DPPPR recommended denial. They indicated the documentation submitted
is the same documentation submitted on the applicant’s previous request.
To be awarded the PH, a member must provide documentation to support his
claim that the wounds were a direct result of enemy action and must have
received medical treatment by medical personnel. These include, but are
not limited to, injuries received while seeking shelter from mortar or
rocket attacks, aircraft bombings, grenades, and injuries incurred while
serving as an aircraft member or in a passenger status as a result of the
aircraft’s evasive measures against hostile fire.
The evaluation is at Exhibit C.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
On 13 August 2004, a copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the
applicant for review and response 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 an error or an injustice. The applicant’s contentions are
duly noted; however, after thoroughly reviewing the applicant’s submission,
the Board is not persuaded he should be awarded the Purple Heart Medal.
The PH is awarded for wounds received as a direct result of enemy action
and must have received medical treatment by medical personnel. These
include, but are not limited to injuries received while seeking shelter
from mortar or rocket attacks, aircraft bombings, grenades, and injuries
incurred while serving as an aircraft member or in a passenger status as a
result of the aircraft’s evasive measures against hostile fire. There is
no indication in the applicant’s records to substantiate he had been
injured as a direct result of enemy action. It appears the applicant’s
previous request for award of the PH Medal was considered and denied by the
Purple Heart Board. The personal sacrifice the applicant endured for his
country is noted and our decision in no way diminishes the high regard we
have for his service; however, insufficient documentary evidence has been
presented to warrant awarding him the Purple Heart. Therefore, in the
absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to
recommend granting the relief sought.
_________________________________________________________________
THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:
The applicant be notified the evidence presented did not demonstrate the
existence of an error or an injustice; the application was denied without a
personal appearance; and 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-
01603 in Executive Session on 4 November 2004, under the provisions of AFI
36-2603:
Mr. Robert S. Boyd, Panel Chair
Mr. Garry G. Sauner, Member
Ms. Carolyn B. Willis, Member
The following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 11 May 2004, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 4 August 2004.
Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 13 August 2004.
ROBERT S. BOYD
Panel Chair
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