RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2008-04104
INDEX NUMBER: 107.00
XXXXXXXXXXXX COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: NO
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
Her late father’s records be corrected to reflect award of the
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).
_________________________________________________________________
THE APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
Her father was recommended by his commanding officer to be awarded the DFC
for missions he completed while assigned to the 86th Fighter Bomber Group
(FBG), 526 Fighter Bomber Squadron (FBS) during World War II, as noted in
the squadron’s diary. He earned the award in defense of his country and
should be given the honor of the award. Based on the 12th Air Force
established policy of awarding a DFC upon the completion of 25 bomber
missions or 50 sorties, he should be awarded the DFC.
In support of the appeal, the applicant submits a copy of letters written
by the former member, dated 26 October 1943; 86th FBG World War II Diary,
and a biography of the former member, from the World War II Memorial
Registry.
Applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
The former servicemember was in the Army Air Corps and served in the North
Africa and European Theatre of Operation from 23 March 1943 to 2 January
1944, as a P-47, pilot. He completed a total of over 60 dive bomber
missions and participated in the Sicily, Naples-Foggia and Tunisia
campaigns.
The DFC was established by Congress on 2 July 1926 and is awarded for
heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.
The performance of the act of heroism must be evidenced by voluntary action
above and beyond the call of duty.
During World War II, the 12th Air Force had an established policy whereby a
DFC was awarded upon the completion of 25 bomber missions or 50 fighter
sorties tour of combat duty.
_________________________________________________________________
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
HQ AFPC/DPSIDR indicates that there is official documentation verifying the
applicant was recommended for the award of the DFC, with the inclusive
dates of 9 July 1943 to 26 September 1943, in Italy and Sicily; however,
they could not determine if a decision was ever rendered for the award.
Although the Secretary of the Air Force Personnel Council (SAFPC) Awards
and Decorations Board could not process the request, the supporting
documentation showing a recommendation should be considered in the Board’s
decision.
HQ AFPC/DPSIDR’s complete evaluation is at Exhibit C.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 20
January 2009 for review and comment within 30 days. As of this date, no
response has been received by this office (Exhibit D).
_________________________________________________________________
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 error or injustice warranting award of the DFC. In this
respect, we note the applicant completed a total of 35 combat missions
while assigned to the Eighth Air Force as a B-24 aerial gunner.
Additionally, during the contested period, Twelfth Air Force had an
established policy whereby a DFC was awarded upon the completion of 25
bomber missions. The applicant has provided a recommendation from his
former commanding officer to substantiate his entitlement to the DFC.
Therefore, in the interest of justice and given the total number of
missions the applicant completed during his tour of duty, we believe he
should be awarded the DFC. In view of the above, 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 APPLICANT be corrected to show that on 1 November 1943, he was awarded
the Distinguished Flying Cross for unusual bravery and heroism while
participating in an aerial flight over enemy territory, as a Pilot on P-47
airplanes on many bombardment missions over enemy occupied Continental
Europe.
_________________________________________________________________
The following members of the Board considered Docket Number BC-2008-04104
in Executive Session on 11 June 2009, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:
Mr. Michael K. Gallogly, Panel Chair
Ms. Martha J. Evans, Member
Mr. James W. Russell, III, Member
All members voted to correct the records, as recommended. The following
documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 11 Nov 08, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 16 Jan 09.
Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 30 Jan 09.
MICHAEL K. GALLOGLY
Panel Chair
AFBCMR BC-2008-04104
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 XXXXXXXX, XXXXXXX, be corrected to show that on
1 November 1943, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for unusual
bravery and heroism while participating in an aerial flight over enemy
territory, as a Pilot on P-47 airplanes on many bombardment missions over
enemy occupied Continental Europe.
JOE G. LINEBERGER
Director
Air Force Review Boards Agency
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