RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2006-02913
INDEX CODE: 107.00
COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: NO
MANDATORY CASE COMPLETION DATE: 22 MARCH 2008
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
He be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
His C-130A crew flew several missions into KHE SANH, Vietnam. His crew
flew during the “Siege of KHE SANH” in 1968, and his crew was awarded the
DFC.
He suggests the Air Force review his former aircraft commander’s personnel
records for a copy of the Special Order, and that this order should also
have his name on it.
In support of his request, applicant provided a copy of his Officer
Effectiveness Report (OER) covering the period 1 Apr 68 – 4 Oct 68.
The applicant's complete submission, with attachment, is at Exhibit A.
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
Applicant was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Regular Air Force on
13 May 63. He served as a Navigator and was progressively promoted to
grade of captain. On 30 May 69, the applicant was released from active
duty and transferred to the Air Force Reserve (AFRES). He served 6 years
and 18 days on active duty of which 2 years, 11 months, and 6 days was
Foreign Service.
________________________________________________________________
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DPPPR recommends denial of the applicant’s request for award of the
DFC. After a review of the applicant’s military record, they were unable
to locate an award or recommendation to verify his entitlement to the DFC.
The DFC is awarded to any officer or enlisted person of the Armed Forces of
the United States who shall have distinguished her/himself in actual combat
in support of operations by “heroism or extraordinary achievement while
participating in an aerial flight, subsequent to 11 November 1918.
After a complete review of the applicant’s former commander’s personnel
record, DPPPR was unable to verify the applicant’s name on the DFC Special
Order (G-1375) presented to his commander on 8 May 1968. The DFC citation
states the commander was flying a mission to An Khe Army (South Vietnam)
Airfield over hostile territory.
DPPPR was able to verify applicant’s entitlement to additional Air Medals,
the 4th thru 8th Oak Leaf Clusters from Special Order G-1413, and the
National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) and has sent the applicant a DD Form
215, Correction to DD Form 214, to reflect his award of these medals.
The DPPPR evaluation is at Exhibit C.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
On 1 Dec 06, a copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the
applicant for review and comment within 30 days. As of this date, this
office has received no response.
_________________________________________________________________
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 to warrant awarding the DFC. We took
notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the
case; 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 that the applicant has not been the victim of an error
or injustice. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we
find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this
application.
4. The Air Force has verified the member’s entitlement to the Air Medal
4th thru 8th Oak Leaf Clusters and the National Defense Service Medal, and
has administratively corrected his records to include these medals.
_________________________________________________________________
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-
02913 in Executive Session on 9 January 2007, under the provisions of AFI
36-2603:
Ms. Kathleen F. Graham, Panel Chair
Ms. Mary C. Puckett, Member
Mr. Patrick C. Daugherty, Member
The following documentary evidence pertaining to Docket Number BC-2006-
02913 was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 16 Sep 06, w/atch.
Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 6 Nov 06.
Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 1 Dec 06.
KATHLEEN F. GRAHAM
Panel Chair
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