ADDENDUM TO
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2004-01702-2
INDEX CODE: 107.00
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX COUNSEL: NONE
XXXXXXXXXXXX HEARING DESIRED: NO
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
The applicant requests reconsideration be given to his entitlement for
award of the Purple Heart (PH) Medal.
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
Prior to joining the Air Force, the applicant served as an enlisted member
in the Navy Reserve from 25 August 1943 to 25 March 1946. He served 2
years, 7 months, and 1 day of active duty while in the Navy Reserve. On 4
September 1956, the applicant was appointed a first lieutenant, Reserve of
the Air Force (ResAF), and was ordered to active duty on 26 October 1956.
The applicant served in the Nursing career field in the Air Force and was
progressively promoted to the permanent grade of lieutenant colonel
effective 1 October 1972. The applicant served in the Republic of Vietnam
from 1 November 1967 to 29 October 1968. His DD Form 214, Report of
Separation From Active Duty, reflects his awards as the Bronze Service
Medal with “V” device, Bronze Star Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Army
Commendation Medal, Health Decoration, National Defense Service Medal,
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award with four
oak leaf clusters, European-Africa-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal,
Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze
Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Small Arms Expert
Marksmanship Ribbon, and the Air Force Reserve Medal.
The applicant’s available military medical records indicate that, on 8
August 1968, he sustained a superficial gunshot wound of the left chest
while stationed at Binh Thuy Air Base, Republic of Vietnam. After his
initial treatment at Binh Thuy Air Base, he was transferred the next day to
Cam Rahn Bay Air Force Hospital for further treatment.
The applicant was honorably released from active duty on 31 March 1974 and
retired for years of service, effective 1 April 1974. He served a total of
20 years and 6 days on active duty.
On 12 July 1999, the applicant wrote to the Air Force Personnel Center
(AFPC) requesting his DD Form 214 be corrected to add the award of the
Purple Heart Medal. On 5 August 1999, AFPC Recognition Programs Branch
responded to the applicant indicating they were unable to verify his
entitlement to the Purple Heart Medal and provided him with a list of the
criteria on which award of the Purple Heart is based.
On 15 September 2004, the Board considered and denied the applicant’s
request for award of the PH. For an accounting of the Board’s
consideration of this case see the Record of Proceedings at Exhibit E.
On 9 August 2005, the applicant submitted a request for reconsideration.
To support this assertion, the applicant provided a witness statement from
a military member assigned with the applicant during the time in question.
The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit F.
_________________________________________________________________
THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:
Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the
existence of error or injustice. After a thorough review of the available
records, the majority of the Board found no evidence that the applicant is
eligible for the award of the Purple Heart Medal. We note the letter
submitted by the applicant’s fellow airman, who was stationed with the
applicant in Vietnam; however, the Board majority believes this testimonial
lacks sufficient specificity to establish the applicant was wounded in a
manner consistent with the criteria for award of the Purple Heart Medal.
We appreciate the applicant’s service to his country and the recommendation
to deny the requested relief in no way diminishes the high regard we have
for his contribution. Nevertheless, in view of the above, the Board
majority finds no basis to favorably consider this application.
_________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD:
A majority of the panel finds insufficient evidence of error or injustice
and recommends the application be denied.
_________________________________________________________________
The following members of the Board considered this application in Executive
Session on 23 September 2005, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:
Mr. Laurence M. Groner, Panel Chair
Ms. Jean A. Reynolds, Member
Mr. Michael J. Novel, Member
Mr. Groner and Ms. Reynolds voted to deny the application. Mr. Novel voted
to correct the record as requested but did not wish to submit a minority
report. The following documentary evidence was considered in connection
with AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2003-01702-2:
Exhibit E. ROP, dtd 28 Oct 04, w/Exhibits A through D.
Exhibit F. Applicant’s Recon Request, dtd 9 Aug 05, w/atch.
LAURENCE M. GRONER
Panel Chair
AFBCMR BC-2004-01702-2
MEMORANDUM FOR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AIR FORCE BOARD
FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY
RECORDS (AFBCMR)
SUBJECT: AFBCMR Application of XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the
recommendation of the Board members. A majority found that the applicant
had not provided sufficient evidence of error or injustice and
recommended the case be denied. I concur with that finding and their
conclusion that relief is not warranted. Accordingly, I accept their
recommendation that the application be denied.
Please advise the applicant accordingly.
JOE G. LINEBERGER
Director
Air Force Review
Boards Agency
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