RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2008-04145
INDEX NUMBER: 107.00
XXXXXXX COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: NO
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
His WG AGO Form 53-55, Enlisted Record and Report of Separation, issued in
conjunction with his honorable discharge on 29 November 1945, reflect his
Air Medal that he was previously awarded.
The applicant’s request to have his WG AGO Form 53-55 reflect in Item 15,
Height, changed from 6’2” to 5’6”, and in Item 32, Battles and Campaigns,
from “Appenneins” to “Appennines,” was administratively corrected.
_________________________________________________________________
THE APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
Based on the Fifteenth Air Force established policy of awarding an AM upon
the completion of every five combat missions he should be awarded an AM.
He completed six combat missions while assigned as a B-24, Liberator
armorer gunner flying out of Pantanella Air Base, Italy during March and
April 1945. After discharge, he wrote the Army Air Force officials and
pointed out to them that he was entitled to the award and they agreed and
sent the AM to him.
Item 15, of his WG AGO Form 53-55, should be corrected to reflect his
height as 5’6” rather than 6’2”, and in Item 32, Battles and Campaigns,
from “Appenneins” to “Appennines.”
In support of the appeal, applicant submits a personal statement and a copy
of his WD AGO Form 53-55.
Applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
The applicant is a former member of the Army Air Corps who served in the
European Theatre of Operation from 31 March 1945 to 15 June 1945, as a B-
24, Liberator, armorer gunner. He completed a total of four combat
missions and participated in the N. Appennines, Central Europe, and Po
Valley campaigns.
The AM is awarded for heroic or meritorious achievement while participating
in an aerial flight.
During World War II, the 15th Air Force had an established policy whereby
an AM was awarded upon the completion of every five combat missions. In
1944, the number of combat missions required for award of an additional AM
was increased to six.
The applicant’s WG AGO 53-55 was administratively corrected to reflect in
Item 15, Height, as 5’6” rather than 6’2”, and in Item 32, Battles and
Campaigns, as “Appennines” rather than “Appenneins.”
_________________________________________________________________
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
HQ AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial, stating, in part, that no official
documentation was located in the applicant’s record or was provided that
verifies him being recommended for award the AM by 15th AF.
In 1943, General “Hap” Arnold ordered theater commanders not to award the
AM or DFC based solely on the number of combat missions completed, but
rather for acts of heroism in combat flight or extraordinary achievement
while participating in an aerial flight. Applicant’s records do not
indicate he was recommended for the decorations while he was on active
duty.
The HQ AFPC/DPSIDR evaluation, with attachments, is at Exhibit C.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
He believes there may be a misunderstanding. He was awarded the AM 63
years ago and requests it be included in Item 33 of his WD AGO Form 53-55.
He enclosed a picture of the AM he was awarded for the Board’s review.
The applicant’s complete response, with attachments, is at Exhibit E.
The applicant provided additional responses, dated 25 Feb 09, 23 Apr 09,
and 8 Jun 09 at Exhibit F.
_________________________________________________________________
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. The applicant asserts that he was
previously awarded the AM; 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. However, should the applicant
provide additional documentation (the award certificate and special order)
to substantiate his claim, or a recommendation from his former commanders
or supervisors, we would be inclined to reconsider his petition. In view
of the above and in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no
basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application.
4. Additionally, the Board notes the applicant’s records were
administratively corrected to reflect on his WG AGO 53-55, in Item 15,
Height, as 5’6” and in Item 32, Battles and Campaigns, as “Appennines.”
_________________________________________________________________
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-2008-04145
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
The following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 8 Nov 08, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Letter, HQ AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 23 Dec 08,
with attachments.
Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 9 Jan 09.
Exhibit E. Letter, Applicant, dated 14 Jan 09, w/atchs.
Exhibit F. Letters, Applicant, dated 25 Feb 09,
23 Apr 09, and 8 Jun 09, w/atch.
MICHAEL K. GALLOGLY
Panel Chair
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