RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-01251
COUNSEL: NONE
HEARING DESIRED: NO
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
He be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), with one
Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster.
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
His crew was awarded two DFCs in 1945. They received the written
memos, but not the actual Medals. His plane was the City of
Sacco, named after their left gunner. During his service he flew
25 combat missions from Guam to Japan. His last mission was on 14
Aug 45.
The applicants complete submission, with attachments, is at
Exhibit A.
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
The applicant was inducted into the Army of the United States on
11 Feb 43 and entered active duty on 18 Feb 43. He performed
duties as Radio Operator and Mechanic.
On 6 Dec 45, the applicant was furnished an honorable discharge,
and was credited with 2 years, 1 month, and 1 day of active
service. He was credited with 6 months and 25 days of Foreign
Service.
The applicants WD AGD Form 53-55, Enlisted Record and Report of
Separation Honorable Discharge, reflects the award of the
following Medals and/or Ribbons:
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Air Medal with three Bronze Clusters
- Good Conduct Medal
- Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are
contained in the memorandums prepared by the Air Force offices of
primary responsibility (OPR), which are attached at Exhibits C, D,
and E.
AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DPSID recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an
error or an injustice.
The DFC may be awarded to any persons who, after 6 Apr 17, while
serving in any capacity with the United States Armed Forces,
distinguish themselves by 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. The extraordinary achievement must have
resulted in an accomplishment so exceptional and outstanding as to
clearly set the individual apart from comrades or from other
persons in similar circumstances. Awards will be made only to
recognize single acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement and
will not be made in recognition of sustained operational
activities against an armed enemy.
After a thorough review of the applicants limited official
military personnel record, they were unable to verify award of the
DFC with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster.
A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit C.
AFHRA/RS recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an
error or an injustice.
After a thorough review of the official unit histories of the 43rd
Bombardment Squadron, 29th Bombardment Group, 314th Bombardment
Wing, XXI Bomber Command and Twentieth Air Force, as well as the
871st Bombardment Squadron and 497th Bombardment Group, they have
come to the conclusion that the 27 May 14 letter by AFPC/DPSID is
correct in that the applicants claim for an additional DFC is
without merit.
A complete copy of the AFHRA/RS evaluation is at Exhibit D.
SAF/MRBP recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an
error or an injustice.
They have reviewed the applicants records and supporting
documents and concur with the recommendation of the Air Force
Historical Research Agency and AFPC/DPSID to deny his request.
There is no evidence or documentation to support his petition for
an additional DFC.
A complete copy of the SAF/MRBP evaluation is at Exhibit E.
APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the
applicant on 30 Jan 15 for review and comment within 30 days
(Exhibit F). As of this date, no response has been received by
this office.
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. We took
notice of the applicants complete submission in judging the
merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinions and
recommendations of the Air Force offices of primary responsibility
(OPR) and SAF/MRBP and adopt their rationale as the basis for our
conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error of
injustice. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary,
we find no basis to recommend granting the requested relief.
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-2014-01251 in Executive Session on 10 Mar 15 under the
provisions of AFI 36-2603:
, Panel Chair
, Member
, Member
The following documentary evidence pertaining AFBCMR Docket Number
BC-2014-01251 was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 9 Mar 14, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
Exhibit C. Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 27 May 14.
Exhibit D. Memorandum, AFHRA/RS, dated 24 Dec 14.
Exhibit E. Memorandum, SAF/MRBP, dated 14 Jan 15.
Exhibit F. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 30 Jan 15.
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