RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2005-02796
INDEX CODE: 107.00
COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: NOT INDICATED
MANDATORY CASE COMPLETION DATE: 13 MAR 07
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
His records be corrected to reflect he was awarded the Purple Heart
(PH).
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
His back was injured by shrapnel during a Japanese air raid at Nadzab,
New Guinea on 6 November 1943.
Applicant's complete submission, with attachments, is attached at
Exhibit A.
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
The applicant’s military records were destroyed in the 1973 fire at
the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC).
The available military records reflect the applicant enlisted in the
Army Air Corps on 19 December 1941.
His records further reflect he was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Service
Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, and the Good Conduct Medal (GCM).
The applicant’s WD AGO Form 53-33, Enlisted Record and Report of
Separation Honorable Discharge, Item 34 reflects he did not receive
any wounds while in action.
On 28 September 1945, the applicant was honorably discharged in the
grade of staff sergeant. He served three years, ten months and nine
days of active duty service.
The applicant provided an e-mail statement from Mr. H. R. stating
there was a Japanese air raid on 6 November 1943 and two men died and
that he and the applicant were wounded.
_________________________________________________________________
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
HQ AFPC/DPPPR states the applicant provided an eyewitness statement
via email from one of his crewmembers that stated the applicant was
injured; however, the witness statement did not provide a detailed
account of the injury. They requested the witness to submit a
detailed account of the incident, but he did not respond. They
further state the Purple Heart Review Board (PHRB) reviewed the
applicant’s request on 11 January 2006 and recommended disapproval.
Therefore, they recommend the applicant’s request for the PH be
denied.
A complete copy of the Air Force evaluation is attached at Exhibit C.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
The applicant reviewed the Air Force evaluation and states he has
provided eyewitness testimony to support his request for award of the
PH.
He also stated he believes the wound was not documented on his records
because at the time of separation he was told that if he did not file
an injury claim he would be able to separate from active duty in a few
days, but if he filed a claim it would take three weeks before he was
released.
He further indicates that his malaria, typhus and other tropical
conditions were not listed on his records.
His 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. Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate
the existence of an error or injustice to warrant awarding the
applicant the Purple Heart medal. We are persuaded by the
applicant’s assertions concerning his injury and the eyewitness
statement he has provided by a knowledgeable individual that he did
sustain wounds as a direct result of enemy action during a Japanese
air raid on 6 November 1943. We do not find it unreasonable to
believe his contention that he was treated for his wound after the
raid and the absence of any information pertaining to the asserted
wound from his military records is not surprising due to chaotic
conditions that were common during air raid attacks. In view of the
above and in recognition of his service to his Nation, it is our
opinion the benefit of any doubt should be resolved in his favor.
Therefore, we recommend his records be corrected as indicated below.
_________________________________________________________________
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:
The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force
relating to APPLICANT be corrected to show that he was awarded the
Purple Heart Medal for injuries sustained as a direct result of enemy
action during a Japanese air raid on 6 November 1943 at Nadzab, New
Guinea.
_________________________________________________________________
The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-
2005-02796 in Executive Session on 23 March 2006, under the provisions
of AFI 36-2603:
Mr. Michael J. Maglio, Panel Chair
Ms. Jan Mulligan, Member
Mr. Michael J. Novel, Member
All members voted to correct the records, as recommended. The
following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 13 Ju1 05, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Reconstructed Military Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPPR, dated 24 Jan 06.
Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 27 Jan 06.
Exhibit E. Letter, Applicant, undated.
MICHAEL J. MAGLIO
Panel Chair
AFBCMR BC-2005-02796
MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF
Having reviewed and considered the recommendation of the Air
Force Board for Correction of Military Records and under the authority
of Section 1552, Title 10, United States Code (70A Stat 116) it is
directed that:
The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air
Force relating to , be corrected to show that he was awarded
the Purple Heart Medal for injuries sustained as a direct result of
enemy action during a Japanese air raid on 6 November 1943 at Nadzab,
New Guinea.
JOE G. LINEBERGER
Director
Air Force Review Boards Agency
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