INDEX CODE:  107.00

AFBCMR 01-00558

MEMORANDUM OF CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATION BEFORE THE AFBCMR

SUBJECT:  APPLICANT

	Having carefully reviewed this application, we agree with the recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt the rationale expressed as the basis for our decision that the applicant has been the victim of either an error or an injustice.  Therefore, under the authority delegated in AFI 36‑2603, the applicant's records will be corrected as set forth in the accompanying Memorandum for the Chief of Staff signed by the Executive Director of the Board or his designee.

	Members of the Board considered this application on March 28, 2001.

                                        Panel Chair

Attachment:
Ltr, AFPC/DPPPR, dated March 12, 2001, 
W/Atch

AFBCMR 01-00558

MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF

	Under the authority of Section 1552, Title 10, United States Code and Air Force Instruction 36-2603, and having assured compliance with the provisions of the above regulation, the decision of the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records is announced, and it is directed that:

	The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT be corrected to show that he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for the following achievement:

	“He distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the United States while assigned to the 914th Air Refueling Squadron, 97th Bomb Wing, Strategic Air Command, Blytheville Air Force Base, Arkansas, during the period 22 August 1962 to 29 October 1962.  While serving on temporary duty at Brize Norton Air Base, United Kingdom, during this period, he served as a navigator on a specially modified JKC‑135 aircraft over hostile territory on 21 missions of vital national importance to the United States.  Flying an unescorted, unarmed, and unprotected aircraft deep into Soviet airspace, in daylight, during a period of unprecedented Cold War tensions, he obtained critical intelligence regarding 20 soviet nuclear detonations in the atmosphere.  Using defensive tactics that remained classified, he flew a total of 255 hours, often orbiting for less than 20 miles from ground zero.  The extraordinary skill, patriotism and heroism he exhibited in the face of grave personal danger enabled the United States to obtain intelligence of incalculable value and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.”

                                
                                Chief Examiner
                                Air Force Board for Correction
                                of Military Records