RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2006-00208
INDEX CODE: 107.00
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (DECEASED) COUNSEL: NOT INDICATED
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX HEARING DESIRED: NO
MANDATORY CASE COMPLETION DATE: 24 JUL 2007
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
Her husband’s records be corrected to show he was awarded the Bronze
Star Medal (BSM) and the New Jersey Medal.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
She recently found out World War II soldiers were eligible for the
BSM.
In support of her request, the applicant submits a copy of the
member’s Army of the United States Honorable Discharge Certificate, WD
AGO Form 53-55, Enlisted Record and Report of Separation and a copy of
her husband’s Certificate of Death.
Applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
The former member’s military personnel records were destroyed by fire
at the National Personnel Records Center in 1973. The available
records reflect the former member enlisted in the Army Air Corps on 18
June 1943, and separated on 22 March 1946. His report of separation
shows he served during World War II, and in the Central Burma-China
and India Burma Campaigns.
His record reflects award of the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the
WWII Victory Medal, the American Service Medal and the Asiatic Pacific
Service Medal. He served 2 years, 9 months and 19 days of active
military service.
The BSM may be awarded for heroic or meritorious achievement or
service, not involving participation in aerial flight, in connection
with military operations against an armed enemy.
_________________________________________________________________
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
The AFPC/DPPPR recommends denial. DPPPR states the Army policy was
implemented that authorized the retroactive award of the BSM to
soldiers who had received the Combat Infantryman Badge or the Combat
Medical badge during WWII, however; the applicant’s husband’s records
do not reflect award of the Combat Infantryman Badge.
DPPPR states that office is unfamiliar with the NJ Medal and only
verifies DoD awards and Decorations.
The DPPPR evaluation is at Exhibit B.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 3
March 2006, 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 probable error or injustice. After thoroughly
reviewing the evidence of record and noting the applicant’s
contentions, we are not persuaded the member’s records are in error or
unjust. The personal sacrifice the applicant’s husband endured for
his country is noted and our decision should in no way lessen his
service; however, insufficient documentary evidence has been presented
to warrant awarding him the Bronze Star Medal (BSM). We took notice
of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of her
request for the BSM; however, we agree with the opinion and
recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and
adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion there exists no
error or injustice in her late husband’s military records. Therefore,
in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling
basis to recommend awarding the BSM.
4. We note the New Jersey Medal is awarded by the State of New
Jersey to veterans who resided in the State at the time of their
service in the armed forces. As such, the Board is without authority
to award this decoration. Therefore, it is suggested the applicant
contact the State of New Jersey, Department of Veterans and Military
Affairs, at NJDMAVA, P.O. Box 340, Trenton, NJ, 08625-0340, in this
regard.
_________________________________________________________________
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-2006-
00208 in Executive Session on 27 April 2006, under the provisions of
AFI 36-2603:
Mr. Richard A. Peterson, Panel Chair
Ms. Sharon B. Seymour, Member
Ms. Jean A. Reynolds, Member
The following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 1 Jan 06, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 16 Feb 06.
Exhibit C. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 3 Mar 06.
RICHARD A. PETERSON
Panel Chair
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