RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  02-00531
				INDEX CODE:  110.00
	APPLICANT 	COUNSEL:  None

	SSN		HEARING DESIRED:  No

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to reflect he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He received the Air Medal (AM) with four oak leaf clusters, but his actions in combat clearly merits the higher award.  

He further states that the entire 5th Air Force received the AM for the combat mission, but he was individually nominated for the DFC for landing a damaged aircraft as a result of combat action.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant's military personnel records were destroyed by fire in 1973.  The relevant facts pertaining to this application, extracted from the applicant's available military records, are contained in the letter prepared by the appropriate office of the Air Force.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR states the applicant has not provided a recommendation package or any documentation from his chain of command to support that he was recommended for the DFC or, that an award package was submitted through official channels.  The applicant was awarded the AM w/4 OLC for his actions during the combat mission in Oct 44, therefore, he is not eligible for another decoration for the same date and accomplishment.

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:

The applicant reviewed the Air Force evaluation and submitted previously received documentation to support his request for award of the DFC (Exhibit E).

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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 an error or injustice.  We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinions and recommendations of the Air Force and adopt their rationale as the basis for our decision that the applicant has failed to sustain his burden that he has suffered either an error or an injustice.  We believe it should be pointed out that the applicant's decorated service and sacrifice for his country has not gone unnoticed.  Notwithstanding this, no evidence has been presented which has shown to our satisfaction to support or prove the applicant was nominated and awarded the DFC.  Furthermore, the applicant was awarded the AM w/4 OLC for his actions on 10 Oct 44 and is not eligible to receive another decoration for the same actions.  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 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 Docket Number 02-00531 in Executive Session on May 7, 2002, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 7 Mar 01, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPPR, undated.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 15 Mar 02.
	Exhibit E.	Applicant’s Response, dated 8 Apr 02.