RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2011-04211
COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: NO
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
He be awarded the Purple Heart (PH) Medal.
_________________________________________________________________
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
In Mar 66, he was wounded in Vietnam and never received the PH.
He received stitches for a head injury. He has been back to
Vietnam twice in the last few years. His fellow Vietnam comrades
were either killed or sent to re-educate camps after the fall of
Saigon. His medical records show his head wound, plus he has
pictures that were taken after the injury occurred.
In support of his request, the applicant provides a copy of his
DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer
or Discharge, and copies of photographs.
His complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 27 Apr 57 and
was progressively promoted to the grade of captain (P), having
assumed that grade effective and with a date of rank of 27 Apr
64. He received an honorable discharge on 17 Mar 68 after
serving 12 years, 4 months, and 8 days on active duty.
In order to be awarded the PH: You must have received wounds 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. 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 aircraft
member in a passenger status as a result of the aircrafts
evasive measures against hostile fire.
_________________________________________________________________
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial. The applicants Report of
Examination, dated 19 Feb 68, mentions two scars; however,
neither of them was on his head. Another report notes a cut on
top of his head, but states the applicant cut tip of his head on
an airplane, 1966. A medical report dated 4 Feb 66, indicates
the applicant received a laceration; however, nothing was
mentioned concerning the cause of the injury or the presence of
foreign bodies.
The complete DPSIDR 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 6 Jan 12 for review and comment within 30 days. As of this
date, this office has received no response.
_________________________________________________________________
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 an error or injustice. After a
thorough review of the available evidence and applicants
complete submission, we find no evidence that his records should
be corrected to show he was awarded the PH. As such, 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. The applicants honorable service is noted.
Regrettably, we do not find the evidence submitted is sufficient
to recommend granting the requested relief.
_________________________________________________________________
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 AFBCMR Docket
Number BC-2011-04211 in Executive Session on 23 Feb 12, under the
provisions of AFI 36-2603:
, Panel Chair
, Member
, Member
The following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 20 Oct 11, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 15 Dec 11.
Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 6 Jan 12.
Panel Chair
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