RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2005-03024
INDEX CODE: 100.00
XXXXXXX COUNSEL: NONE
XXXXXXX HEARING DESIRED: NO
MANDATORY CASE COMPLETION DATE: 6 April 2007
________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
He be awarded an additional Air Medal (AM).
________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
Since 11 of the 34 combat missions be flew as a B-26 pilot during World War
II were lead missions, he should be awarded an additional AM, for a total
of 7 AMs. During the period in question a lead mission was counted as 1 ¼
missions. In view of this, and since he completed 11 lead missions, he
should be credited with 36 ¾ combat missions and be awarded an additional
AM.
In support of the appeal, applicant submits a copy of a 452nd Bombardment
Squadron letter, dated 24 May 1945, indicating he completed 11 flight lead
missions as a pilot.
Applicant’s complete submission, with attachment, is at Exhibit A.
________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
Applicant is a former member of the Army Air Corps who served on active
duty from 12 March 1944 to 14 January 1946. From 12 August 1944 to 17
December 1945, he served in the European Theater of Operations. From 12
August 1944 to 5 July 1945, he was assigned to the 394th Bombardment Group,
Ninth Air Force, as a B-26 Marauder pilot. From 5 July 1945 to 30 November
1945, he was assigned to the Headquarters 30th Air Depot Group. He
completed a total of 34 combat missions, totaling 125 combat hours. On
1 October 1945, he was awarded the Air Medal, Fifth Oak Leaf Cluster (AM, 5
OLC) for service with the 322nd Bombardment Group. He retired in the grade
of major on 1 February 1984, and was placed on the Retired Reserve List.
________________________________________________________________
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DPPPR recommends the applicant’s request for an additional AM be
denied, and states, in part, that applicant’s records did not contain a
copy of a recommendation letter or special order awarding him an AM, 6 OLC
for lead combat missions flow. Prior to 14 August 1943, the AM was awarded
on the basis of the number of missions completed; however, the “score card”
basis for awarding the AM was discontinued by General “Hap” Arnold..
The AFPC/DPPPR evaluation is at Exhibit C.
________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
He was reassigned to the 30th Air Deport Group as a flight test pilot on 5
July 1945. In further support of the appeal, applicant submits copies of
his individual flight records. He has contacted other former members of
the 322nd and they have indicated they received 1 ¼ credit for each lead
mission flown.
Applicant’s complete response, with attachments, 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. 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 find no
evidence indicating that his contemporaries were recommended for, and
awarded additional AMs based on the number of lead missions they completed.
Therefore, in the absence of such evidence, we find no compelling basis to
recommend granting the relief sought in this application. However, should
he provide such evidence, the Board would reconsider his request.
Applicant also requested that he be eligible for the Army of Occupation
Medal (AOM); however, AFPC/DPPPR has verified his entitlement to the AOM.
________________________________________________________________
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 Docket Number BC-2005-03024
in Executive Session on 24 January 2006, under the provisions of AFI 36-
2603:
Mr. Marilyn M. Thomas, Vice Chair
Mr. Vance E. Lineberger, Member
Mr. Jay H. Jordan, Member
The following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 27 Sep 05, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 6 Dec 05.
Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 16 Dec 05.
Exhibit E. Letter, Applicant, dated 30 Dec 05, w/atchs.
MARILYN M. THOMAS
Vice Chair
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