RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  01-02316
		INDEX CODE:  107.00, 100.01, 
				      100.03, 110.01, 
					 124.00
		COUNSEL:  None
	
		HEARING DESIRED:  No

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to reflect a name change from ----. --- to XXXX. XXXX.

His records further be corrected to show that:

He entered the Air Force on 10 September 1949 and was discharged on 10 September 1955.

He entered the Army Reserves from school and then went directly into the Air Force.

His blood type O Negative, rather than A.

He was assigned to duties at the Azores, French Morocco, North Africa, Libya, Italy, France, Switzerland, Holland, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, and “Weisburton, Germany, Neitherlands, Bad Hamburger British zone,” flying supplies, wounded and dead in and out of Korea.

He is entitled to the “Disabled American Veterans 110% Purple Heart,” the Holland Disguised Service Medal, and the Korean War Medal.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He is running for Junior Vice President of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and need these errors corrected.

In support of his application, he provided a personal statement and copies of a Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) statement of rating and his separation document.  The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 11 August 1950, the applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force in the grade of private for a period of 4 years.  Records reveal that he had prior serve in the Navy Reserve.  During his enlistment, the applicant performed duties for a short period of time as an Air Policeman and thereafter as a Medical/Dental Helper.  He was progressively promoted to the temporary and permanent grades of airman first class (E-3) with a date of rank of 15 November 1951.  Available records reveal that, with the exception of the period 13 February 1951 to 14 August 1952, when he was assigned to Wheelus Field, Tripoli, Libya, he was assigned to Westover AFB, Massachusetts.  Aside from his discharge document, which indicates his blood type is A, his military personnel records contain only one other document containing this information -- an Immunization Register initiated on 21 August 1950, in which it is indicated his blood group is O.

The applicant’s separation document indicates that the applicant was voluntarily honorably discharged prior to his expiration of term of service on 9 September 1953.  He had served 3 years and 29 days on active duty in the Regular Air Force.  He was credited with 1 year, 5 months and 25 days of foreign or SEA service.  There was no indication that the applicant was awarded any decorations, medals, badges, commendations, citations and campaign ribbons or that he had received wounds as a result of action with enemy forces.

As a result of the submission of this appeal, on 5 November 2001, the applicant’s records were administratively corrected to show he was entitled to the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Korean Service Medal.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSAMP recommended denial of the applicant’s request for a name change.  DPSAMP indicated that they requested that the applicant provide a certified copy of the court order that directed the name change.  If the court order was dated on or before the applicant’s discharge date, a correction would be possible.  Since the applicant has not responded to their request, they are unable to make a determination either way.  However, they note that AFI 36-2608, Table 7.3, provides that records of former members should not be corrected to show name changes occurring after discharge (see Exhibit C).

AFPC/DPPPR recommended denial of the applicant’s request for a change to the Purple Heart Medal.  On 30 October 2001, DPPPR notified the applicant of the criteria for award of the Purple Heart and requested he provide additional information to substantiate his claim.  He did not respond.  DPPPR stated that there is no evidence in the applicant’s military personnel records that supports that he was injured as a direct result of enemy action; therefore, he is not entitled to the Purple Heart.  

A complete copy of this evaluation is at Exhibit D.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 8 February 2002 for review and comment.  As of this date, this office has received no response.

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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 error or injustice.  After reviewing the evidence of record, we are not persuaded that the applicant’s records are in error or that he has been the victim of an injustice.  His contentions are noted; however, in our opinion, the detailed comments provided by the appropriate Air Force offices concerning the applicant’s requests for a name change and the Purple Heart Medal adequately address those allegations.  Therefore, we agree with opinions and recommendations of the Air Force and adopt their rationale as the basis for the conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  As to the applicant’s request for a change to his blood type, while there is conflicting information in his record concerning this matter, without corroborative evidence from the applicant as to his correct blood type, i.e., A or O, favorable consideration of this request is not contemplated.  We have also noted the applicant’s requests for changes to the dates of entry and discharge from the Air Force, his duty history, and for award of the “Holland Disguised Service Medal.”  Without substantiating evidence from the applicant concerning these issues, we have no basis on which to recommend these requests be granted.  Accordingly, in view of the above, 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 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 22 October 2002, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:
                Panel Chair
				Member
				Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 9 Aug 01, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, AFPC/DPSAMP, undated.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 30 Jan 02.
	Exhibit E.	Letter, AFBCMR, dated 8 Feb 02.