RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBERS:  02-00980
		INDEX CODE 131.00
	 	COUNSEL:  None

	 	HEARING DESIRED:  No

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records show he was appointed a Warrant Officer Junior Grade (WOJG) during World War II (WWII).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

His field commander pinned the WOJG bars on him in the China Burma India (CBI) Theater after receiving approval from Washington DC. He’s sure this field appointment was in his military records before they were destroyed by fire; otherwise his commander would not have allowed him to wear the bars. The main thing on his mind at the time was not the extra pay but to serve his country honorably and keep it free.  He did so and would like his records to reflect this appointment.

He provides several photographs during the pertinent period and contends that in one of them he is wearing the WOJG bar on the shoulder away from the camera. He explains he cannot find the picture that best shows him wearing the WOJG bar. He also provides official correspondence indicating he was recommended for a field appointment to WOJG, that he had been the acting WOJG, and had been presented a bar to wear while in that position until his appointment was approved.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant’s records apparently were destroyed by the National Personnel Records Center 1973 fire. The following information was extracted from documents he provided for his reconstituted record.

He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on 24 Sep 42. He departed the US on 26 Nov 44 and remained overseas until his return on 3 Jan 46. 

The applicant was assigned as an airplane maintenance technician to the 345th Airdrome Squadron, which was attached to the 2nd Combat Cargo and Evacuation Group in India and Burma and later to the 1st Combat and Evacuation Group in China.  

A 14 Apr 45 memo from the 345th Airdrome Squadron engineering officer to the commanding officer advised that the applicant was technically qualified for appointment as a Warrant Officer.

Personnel orders from the 345th Airdrome Squadron, dated 15 Aug 45, reflect the applicant was acting in the position of WOJG.  A squadron memo dated 15 Aug 45 indicated he had completed 30 round trip missions over the Himalayan Mountains, to and from Military Front Line Spearheads (Mandolay and Rangoon), dropping in cargo, ammunition, food and supplies and returning with 30 litters of wounded for each trip.  The memo recommended the applicant for a field appointment and advised that the field commander had presented him with a WOJG bar to wear while acting in this position in the field until his appointment “comes through channels from Washington DC.”

He was honorably discharged in the grade of staff sergeant on 16 Jan 46.  He had 3 years, 3 months and 23 days of active service.

The applicant later enlisted in the Air Force Reserve on 13 Apr 48 and was discharged in the grade of staff sergeant in Apr 51.

He apparently continued his career in civilian Federal service and retired on 2 Mar 75 due to heart disease. 
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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPPAOO is unable to determine whether the appropriate documentation was submitted by the applicant’s commander or whether higher channels approved the appointment to WOJG.  According to Army Regulation 610-15 [provided at Exhibit C] in effect when he was on active duty, temporary warrant officers, junior grade, would be appointed only by the Adjutant General or by commanders to whom appointing authority is specifically delegated by the War Department for filling of authorized vacancies within units or activities under their control. The applicant was discharged from active duty in Jan 46 and from the Reserves in Apr 51 in the grade of staff sergeant rather than as a WOJG.  Although there is documentation reflecting he was recommended for WOJG appointment, there is nothing to support the appointment was approved. Denial is recommended.  If the Board approves relief, his record should reflect he was appointed to WOJG and was discharged in that grade on 16 Jan 46. 
A complete copy of the 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 28 Jun 02 for review and comment within 30 days.  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 a thorough review of the evidence of record and the applicant’s submission, we are not persuaded that he should be appointed to WOJG.  We note the applicant did serve in the position of acting WOJG and he apparently was qualified and recommended for a field appointment.  However, the submitted documentation does not establish the appointment was actually approved. In this regard, the applicant’s separation papers reflect that he was discharged in the grade of staff sergeant from both the Army Air Corps and the Air Force Reserves. We therefore agree with the recommendations of the Air Force and adopt the rationale expressed as the basis for our decision that the applicant has failed to sustain his burden of having suffered either an error or an injustice. In view of the above and absent persuasive evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought. However, our decision should in no way be construed as a diminishment of the applicant’s significant contributions during WWII. His achievements and personal sacrifice in defending his country in a time of peril are unquestionable.   

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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 August 2002 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence relating to AFBCMR Docket Number 02-00980 was considered:

  Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 10 Mar 02, w/atchs.
  Exhibit B.  Applicant's Reconstructed Master Personnel Records.
  Exhibit C.  Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPAOO, dated 20 Jun 02, w/atch.
  Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 28 Jun 02.