ADDENDUM TO
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2010-01587-2
COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: NO
________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
His records be corrected to reflect he was awarded the following
decorations:
1. Purple Heart (PH) Medal with two oak leaf clusters (2 OLCs).
2. Airmans Medal (AmnM) w/4 OLCs.
3. Bronze Star Medal (BSM) w/37 OLCs.
4. Meritorious Service Medal (MSM).
________________________________________________________________
RESUME OF CASE:
On 4 Nov 12, the Board considered and denied a similar appeal.
For an accounting of the facts and circumstances surrounding the
applicants requests, and the rationale of the earlier decision
by the Board, see the Record of Proceedings at Exhibit G.
The PH Medal is awarded for wounds received as a direct result
of enemy actions (i.e. gunshot or shrapnel wounds, hand-to-hand
combat wounds, forced aircraft bail out injuries, etc.). In
addition, it is necessary that the wound required or received
treatment by medical personnel. Indirect injuries do not meet
the criteria for the award of the PH Medal. These include, but
are not limited to injuries received while seeking shelter from
mortar or rocket attacks, aircraft bombings, or grenades.
The AmnM is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the
United States or of a friendly nation who, while serving in any
capacity with the United States Air Force after the date of the
award's authorization, who have distinguished himself or herself
by a heroic act, usually at the voluntary risk of his or her
life but not involving actual combat. The saving of a life or
the success of the voluntary heroic act is not essential.
The BSM recognizes acts of heroism performed in ground combat if
they are of lesser degree than that required for the Silver
Star. It also recognizes single acts of merit and meritorious
service if the achievement or service is of a lesser degree than
that deemed worthy of the Legion of Merit; but such service must
have been accomplished with distinction.
The MSM may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the
United States who distinguishes themselves by either outstanding
achievement or meritorious service to the United States. It was
established by Executive Order 11448 on 16 Jan 69. This award
was established as the counterpart of the BSM for the
recognition of meritorious noncombatant service.
In a letter, dated 12 Jul 13, on behalf of the applicant, the
applicants former supervisor requests reconsideration of the
MSM, PH Medal, and five BSMs based on the eye witness accounts
of himself and others, of the applicants service and overall
leadership characteristics while stationed in Vietnam. He
agrees that the applicant has not provided substantiation for
award of the PH but request the Board to consider some kind of
an award for the applicant. Additionally, he also submitted a
recommendation for award of the MSM, under the provisions of DoD
1348.33-M, dated Sep 96 which included a narrative description
of the applicants outstanding service and accomplishments while
assigned to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada during the period of 1
Dec 68 to 8 Jun 72. Lastly, he provides a statement expressing
his view of the applicants accomplishments under his
supervision and admitting to not having an excuse for not
recognizing his deeds over 42 years ago. He reiterates that the
applicant should without question be awarded the MSM (Exhibit
H).
The applicant provides four additional statements from his
subordinates who served alongside him and gives an eyewitness
account for his accomplishments and distinguished service. They
are all four in agreement that that applicant should be awarded
the requested awards (Exhibit I).
In a letter, dated 26 Feb 14, the applicant requests
reconsideration based upon newly-discovered evidence not
reasonably available at the time of his initial application.
The newly-discovered evidence includes photographs of aircraft
fully engulfed by fire, a Combat Operation After Action Report,
dated 19 Sep 68, and signed supporting statements from personnel
who assert they can attest to the applicants achievements while
in Vietnam. The applicant contends that the documents provided
prove that he is deserving of the requested decorations.
The applicants complete submission, with attachments, is at
Exhibit J.
________________________________________________________________
THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:
After again reviewing this application and the supporting
statements and recommendations provided by the applicants
supervisor and former subordinates at the time, we remain
unconvinced that any relief is warranted. As such, we conclude
the applicant has again failed to sustain his burden of proof
that he has been of the victim of an error or injustice.
Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find
no basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this
application.
________________________________________________________________
THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:
The applicant be notified the evidence presented did not
demonstrate the existence of material error or injustice; the
application was denied without a personal appearance; and 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 AFBCMR Docket
Number BC-2010-01587-2 in Executive Session on 29 Jul 14, under
the provisions of AFI 36-2603:
, Panel Chair
, Member
, Member
The following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit G. Record of Proceedings, dated 4 Nov 12, w/atchs.
Exhibit H. Letter, Applicants Supervisor, dated 12 Jul 13.
Exhibit I. Letters, Applicants Subordinates, w/atchs.
Exhibit J. Letter, Applicant, dated 26 Feb 14, w/atchs.
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