RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2007-03779
INDEX CODE: 107.00
COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: NOT INDICATED
________________________________________________________________
_
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
His records be corrected to show he was awarded the
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).
________________________________________________________________
_
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
He flew 35 combat missions and met the criteria for award of the
DFC.
In support of his request, the applicant has provided a copy of
his flight log, and a letter from his Congressman.
The applicant's complete submission, with attachments, is at
Exhibit A.
________________________________________________________________
_
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
The applicants military records were destroyed in the 1973 fire
at the National Personnel Records Center; therefore, only a
limited record exists. According to the applicants available
records he enlisted in the Army Air Force on 15 Mar 43 and
served until 22 Sep 53 when he was honorably released from
active duty.
________________________________________________________________
_
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
HQ AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial. DPSIDR states the applicants
available military records do not contain a recommendation for
award of the DFC or a special order indicating he was
recommended for or awarded the DFC. Additionally, they were
unable to verify his entitlement to the DFC based on the
documentation the applicant submitted.
In 1946 [sic], XXXXXXXXXXX ordered theater commanders not to
award the DFC based solely on the number of flight missions
completed, each decoration had to have a signed and endorsed
recommendation package, and be forwarded through administrative
channels to the final approval authority. The timeline for
submitting decorations to include the DFC is two years from the
date of the act or achievement. However, under the Fiscal Year
1996 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), (Section 526),
which was enacted into law on 10 Feb 96, this timeline has now
been waived.
DPSIDR was able to verify the applicants entitlement to the
American Campaign Medal (ACM), World War II Victory Medal
(WWIIVM), and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal (ROKWSM),
and a DD Form 215 has been issued with these changes.
DPSIDRs complete evaluation is at Exhibit C.
________________________________________________________________
_
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
On 1 Feb 08, a copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to
the applicant for review and comment within 30 days. To date, a
response has not been received.
________________________________________________________________
_
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 warranting
the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. After carefully
reviewing this application, we are persuaded by the applicants
assertions concerning his accomplishments as a gunner on B-24
bomber aircraft and the documentation he provided that he did
complete 35 combat missions while serving in the European
Theater of Operations from 24 August 1944 through 3 March 1945.
In view of the foregoing and in recognition of his service to
the Nation, it is our opinion that any doubt should be resolved
in the applicants favor. Therefore, we recommend his records
be corrected to the extent indicated below.
________________________________________________________________
_
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:
The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air
Force relating to the APPLICANT be corrected to show that on 3
March 1945, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for
extraordinary achievement, while serving as an aerial gunner in
a B-24 bomber on thirty-five (35) combat missions over enemy
occupied Continental Europe from 24 August 1944 to 3 March 1945.
________________________________________________________________
_
The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket
Number BC-2007-03779 in Executive Session on 19 Mar 08, under
the provisions of AFI 36-2603:
Mr. XXXXXXXXXXXXX, Panel Chair
Mr. XXXXXXXXXXXXX, Member
Ms. XXXXXXXXXXXXX, Member
All members voted to correct the records, as recommended. The
following documentary evidence pertaining to Docket Number
BC-2007-03779 was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 22 Aug 07, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Applicants Available Records.
Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 26 Dec 07.
Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 1 Feb 08.
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Panel Chair
AFBCMR BC-2007-03779
MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF
Having received 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
[APPLICANT], be corrected to show that on 3 March 1945, he was awarded the Distinguished
Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement, while serving as an aerial gunner in a B-24 bomber
on thirty-five (35) combat missions over enemy occupied Continental Europe from 24 August
1944 to 3 March 1945.
XXXXXXXXXXX
Director
Air Force Review Boards Agency
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