RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2007-00178
INDEX CODE: 107.00
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: NO
MANDATORY CASE COMPLETION DATE: 23 July 2008
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
He be awarded the Purple Heart (PH) Medal.
_______________________________________________________________
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
He developed stomach problems after flying combat missions over enemy
territory.
In support of his application, the applicant submits a personal statement
and copies of flying and medical records.
The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
On 18 July 1942, the applicant enlisted in the Army Air Force Enlisted
Reserve Corps, at the age of 21. He was honorably discharged effective 25
February 1944 to accept a commission. On 26 February 1944, the applicant
accepted a commission as a first lieutenant, Army Air Corps and was ordered
to active duty the same day to serve as a navigator.
The applicant was honorably discharged from active duty in the grade of
first lieutenant on 7 November 1945 due to demobilization and transferred
to the Reserve. He served 1 year, 8 months, and 12 days on active duty of
which 4 months and 21 days were Foreign Service.
_________________________________________________________________
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DPPPR recommends denial of the applicant’s request for the PH medal.
DPPPR states the applicant does not meet the criteria for award of the PH
medal. To be awarded the PH medal, a member must provide documentation to
support he was wounded as a direct result of enemy action. Indirect
injuries do not meet PH criteria.
DPPPR states no official documentation was submitted or located in the
applicant’s records to verify he was injured due to enemy action to be
eligible for the PH.
The DPPPR evaluation is at Exhibit C.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
He was ill on every mission, not just the last mission, as the Air Force
advisory opinion references. He never missed a mission assignment and
never went on sick call. On 12 September 1944, he was removed from his
aircraft and sent by ambulance to a field hospital. He was hospitalized
and under medical care until August 1945.
The applicant’s rebuttal 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. After a thorough review of the available
records, we found no evidence that the individual is eligible for the award
of the Purple Heart Medal. The applicant did not provide any documentary
evidence to substantiate his claim that he was wounded in action as a
direct result of enemy action, or that he was recommended for, or awarded,
the Purple Heart Medal. The personal sacrifice the applicant endured for
his country is noted and the recommendation to deny the requested relief in
no way diminishes the high regard we have for his service. Nevertheless,
in view of the above, we find no basis to favorably consider this
application.
_________________________________________________________________
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 this application in Executive
Session on 4 April 2007, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:
Mr. Thomas S. Markiewicz, Chair
Ms. Judith B. Oliva, Member
Ms. Renee M. Collier, Member
The following documentary evidence was considered in connection with AFBCMR
Docket Number BC-2007-00178:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 16 Jan 07, with attachments.
Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 23 Feb 07.
Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 9 Mar 07.
Exhibit E. Applicant’s Rebuttal, dated 15 Mar 07.
THOMAS S. MARKIEWICZ
Chair
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