RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  01-01368
				INDEX CODE:  107.00
	APPLICANT (Deceased)	COUNSEL:  None

	SSN		HEARING DESIRED:  No

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

Her late-father's military records be corrected to reflect he was awarded the Purple Heart (PH).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

Her father was injured when his aircraft was shot down.  She further contends that her father suffered from many beatings while a Prisoner of War (POW).

Applicant's complete submission is attached at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The relevant facts pertaining to this application, extracted from the applicant's military records, are contained in the letter prepared by the appropriate office of the Air Force.  Accordingly, there is no need to recite these facts in this Record of Proceedings.  

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The Chief, Recognition Programs Branch, HQ AFPC/DPPPR, reviewed this application and states to be awarded the PH documentation must be provided to show that the service member was wounded as a direct result of enemy action.  Indirect injuries do not meet the criteria for PH.  Also, the service member must have received medical treatment for the injuries by medical personnel.

DPPPR forwarded the applicant the criteria required for award of the PH.  They requested she provide additional information which would substantiate her late-father receiving the PH.  The applicant submitted the same information she previously submitted.

There is no evidence in the service member's record indicating that he had been injured as direct result of enemy action.  The service member's records do no reflect that he was injured during the timeframe he was classified as missing in action.

Based on the information provided, DPPPR recommends denying the applicant's request.

A complete copy of the Air Force evaluation is attached at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 24 Aug 01, for review and response.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office.  

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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 probable error or injustice.  The applicant's contentions were duly noted; however, we did not find these uncorroborated assertions, in and by themselves, sufficiently persuasive to override the rationale provided by the Air Force.  We sympathize with the applicant for the personal sacrifice her father endured as a POW and our decision should in no way lessen his service; however, insufficient documentary evidence has been presented to warrant the award of the Purple Heart.  Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application.

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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of probable 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.

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The following members of the Board considered this application in Executive Session on 4 October 2001, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 8 May 01, w/atch.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPPR, dated 16 Aug 01.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MIBR, dated 24 Aug 01.

						
					Panel Chair