RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2001-03377

	 	COUNSEL:  NONE

	 	HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).

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THE APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

After they completed 30 combat missions as a lead crew over enemy territory, it was rumored that the entire crew was recommended for the DFC.  All of the other crewmembers, except for him, have received the DFC for the completion of 30 combat missions.

In support of the appeal, the applicant submits statements from fellow crewmembers, extracts from his military personnel records, and copies of two AFBCMR cases of fellow crewmembers who were awarded the DFC based on their completion of 30 combat missions.

Applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant is a former Army Air Corps member who served on active duty during the period 5 February 1943 through 14 August 1945, as a B-24 armorer gunner.  During this period he was awarded six Air Medals.

The DFC was established by Congress on 2 July 1926 and is awarded for 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.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR defers to the Board for evaluation on its merits since administrative procedures were followed.  The applicant provided affidavits from two crewmembers with firsthand knowledge recommending he be awarded the DFC.

The AFPC/DPPPR evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A complete copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 16 May 2003 for review and response within 30 days.  However, 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.  Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice warranting award of the DFC.  In this respect, we note the supporting statements from two of the applicant’s fellow crewmembers certifying that the applicant flew on the same 30 combat missions for which they were awarded the DFC.  In view of these statements and evidence in the record reflecting his completion of 30 bombing missions over enemy territory, we believe that he should be awarded the DFC.  Accordingly, we recommend that the records be corrected as indicated below.

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THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT be corrected to show that on 11 April 1945, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement, while serving as an armorer gunner on B-24 airplanes in many bombardment missions over enemy occupied Continental Europe.

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The following members of the Board considered Docket Number BC-2001-03377 in Executive Session on 10 July 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

All members voted to correct the records, as recommended.  The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 15 Nov 01, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 6 May 03.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 16 May 03.

                                   

AFBCMR BC-2001-03377

MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF

	Having received and considered the recommendation of the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records and under the authority of Section 1552, Title 10, United States Code (70A Stat 116), it is directed that:

	The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that on 11 April 1945, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement, while serving as an armorer gunner on B-24 airplanes in many bombardment missions over enemy occupied Continental Europe.