RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2011-01958
COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: NO
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
His records be corrected to reflect award of the Purple Heart
(PH) medal.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
On 15 Jun 07, while on combat patrol in Iraq, his vehicle was
struck by an Explosive Formed Projectile-type Improvised
Explosive Device (IED). The vehicle was engulfed in flames and
his door was crushed in. He was not able to exit the vehicle
from his door. His hand was burned when he reached for his
heated weapon. His trousers, neck, left nostril and hair were
also burned. He was helped out of the vehicle.
His Combat Action Medal recommendation covers all the pertinent
information for that day. He was treated at a medical facility
approximately 30 minutes after the attack. He was not concerned
with his injuries, but that of his gunner. A medical technician
took x-rays, dressed and bandaged his hand. He also had small
lacerations to the back of his fingers from the blast; however,
these wounds were not documented in his medical records. He
later noticed other injuries that were not documented in his
initial visit. The PH was the least of his concern at the time
of the incident. He did not return to the clinic, but was
treated by his First Sergeant (a civilian paramedic).
He should have taken photos and ensured every injury/treatment
was properly documented. Up until a year ago, he did not feel
deserving of the PH, but realized he almost lost his life.
His recommendation for the PH medal was disapproved on two
occasions by the decorations board. The decisions to deny the PH
were unjust due to the erroneous information submitted with the
recommendation.
In support of his request, the applicant submits copies of a
support letter, emails, medical reports, decorations and photos.
The applicant's complete submission, with attachments, is at
Exhibit A.
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
The applicant is currently serving in the grade of master
sergeant.
_________________________________________________________________
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
HQ AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial. DPSIDR states the PH is
awarded for wounds received as a direct result of enemy action
(e.g. gunshot or shrapnel wounds, hand-to-hand combat wounds,
forced aircraft bailout 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 award of the PH. These include, but are not limited to,
injuries received while seeking shelter from mortar or rocket
attacks, aircraft bombings, grenades and injuries incurred while
serving as an aircrew member or in a passenger status because of
the aircrafts evasive measures against hostile fire.
DPSIDR states the medical documentation provided pertains to the
burn injuries sustained by the applicant when grabbing a hot
weapon. No other wounds are officially documented.
DPSIDR notes the Air Forces Central command (COMCUSAFCENT) has
authority on behalf of the Secretary of the Air Force to
determine entitlement to the PH. The applicants case was
boarded and disapproved by COMUSAFCENT on 12 Jul 07 and 2 Mar 09.
The complete DPSIDR evaluation is at Exhibit B.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant
on 17 Jun 11, for review and comment within 30 days. As of this
date, this office has received no response (Exhibit C).
_________________________________________________________________
THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:
1. The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by existing
law or regulations.
2. The application was timely filed.
3. Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to
demonstrate the existence of injustice. After a thorough review
of this case, we found the information provided by the applicant
to be persuasive and were convinced that his records should be
corrected to show he was awarded the Purple Heart Medal. Our
opinion has its basis in the fact that the applicant incurred his
injuries after his vehicle was struck by an Explosive Formed
Projectile-type Improvised Explosive Device (IED). In our
estimation, given the circumstances of this case, we find it
reasonable that his injuries were caused by the actions of
enemies of the United States. Therefore, we strongly believe the
applicants records should be corrected as 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 15 June 07, he
was awarded the Purple Heart medal for injuries he received in
Iraq during OPERATION Iraqi Freedom
_________________________________________________________________
All members voted to correct the record. The following members
of the Board considered this application in Executive Session on
8 Mar 12, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:
, Panel Chair
, Member
, Member
The following documentary evidence was considered in AFBCMR BC-
2011-01958:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 24 May 11, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Letter, HQ AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 8 Jun 11.
Exhibit C. Letter, SAF/MRB dated 17 Jun 11.
Panel Chair
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