RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2006-02389
INDEX CODE: 107.00
COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: NO
MANDATORY CASE COMPLETION DATE: 13 FEBRUARY 2008
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
He be awarded the Purple Heart (PH).
_________________________________________________________________
THE APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
He served in Vietnam at Binh Thuy Air Base during the TET Offensive. While
performing equipment operational checks in the radar tower, the tower
sustained a direct hit which blew him fifteen feet above ground. He
doesn’t remember how he got to the dispensary but remembers the medics
saved at least one of his fingers. After the stitching of his hand, the
two medical technicans had a heated debate over whether to use the word
injured or wounded in the report. He believes the wording on the incident
report has caused him to be unjustly denied the award of the PH which he
earned as a result of being wounded during enemy fire.
In support of his request, applicant provides a personal statement and a
copy of his DD Form 214. Applicant’s complete submission, with
attachments, is at Exhibit A.
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
On 30 September 1975, the applicant was relieved from active duty and
retired in the grade of technical sergeant effective 1 October 1975.
Applicant was credited with 20 years, 2 months and 24 days of service for
basic pay and 20 years, and 14 day for active service for retirement.
_________________________________________________________________
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DPPPR recommends denial. DPPPR was able to verify that on 3 June
1969, the applicant did incur a partial fingernail removal from his middle
finger due to an injury from a fall; however, they were unable to verify
the injury was a direct result of enemy action. The DPPPR complete
evaluation is at Exhibit C.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
A complete copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant
on 15 December 2006 for review and response 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 error or injustice. We took notice of the applicant’s
contention that he should be awarded the Purple Heart for an injury he
sustained while performing equipment operational checks in the radar tower
while at Binh Thuy Air Base, Vietnam. After a thorough review of the
available records, we found no evidence the applicant is eligible for the
award of the Purple Heart Medal. According to the evidence presented, the
applicant received medical treatment for partial fingernail removal from
his medical finger due to an injury from a fall. However, there is no
documentary evidence to substantiate he was wounded in action as a direct
result of enemy action. While we appreciate and honor the applicant’s
service to his country, in view of the above and absent persuasive evidence
showing his records are in error or unjust, the applicant’s request cannot
be favorably considered.
_________________________________________________________________
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-2006-02389
in Executive Session on 27 January 2006, under the provisions of AFI 36-
2603:
Ms. Charlene M. Bradley, Panel Chair
Ms. Judith B. Oliva, Member
Ms. Patricia R. Collins, Member
The following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 6 Jun 06, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 27 Nov 06.
Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 15 Dec 06.
CHARLENE M. BRADLEY
Panel Chair
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