RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  02-01286
		INDEX CODE:  107.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Purple Heart Medal.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was injured in a plane crash in 1945 over the Philippines.

In support of his request, the applicant submits a copy of his Enlisted Record and Report of Separation (WD AGO Form 53-55).  The applicant’s complete submission, with attachment, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Information extracted from applicant’s military personnel records indicates the applicant was in Japan on 16 Sep 45.

The applicant was honorable discharged from the Army Air Corps in the grade of staff sergeant (E-5) on 1 Dec 45.  He had completed a total of 3 years, 1 month and 21 days of continental service and 6 months and 5 days of foreign service (16 May - 3 Nov 45).

The applicant’s WD AGO Form 53-55 reveals award of the following decorations and citations:  Distinguished Unit Badge, American Theater Campaign Medal, Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Campaign Medal with 2 bronze battle stars, Philippines Liberation, Good Conduct Medal and the Air Medal.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPPPR recommends the application be denied.  DPPPR stated that there is no evidence in the applicant’s medical or personnel records that he had been injured as a direct result of enemy action.  The applicant did not respond to DPPPR’s 7 May 02 request for additional information to substantiate his claim.  The HQ AFPC/DPPPR evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to applicant on 19 July 2002 for review and response.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office (Exhibit D).

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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.  The applicant has provided no evidence to indicate that the injury sustained was the direct result of enemy action.  Hence, the Purple Heart criteria of enemy action has not been met.  We note that the applicant was asked to provide additional information that would indicate his wound meets the criteria for the Purple Heart, but he has failed to do so.  Absent sufficient documentation to support his eligibility for award of the Purple Heart, we find no 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 12 September 2002, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:
The following documentary evidence was considered in connection with AFBCMR Docket Number 02-01286.

   Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 12 Dec 01, w/atch.
   Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
   Exhibit C.  Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPPR, dated 1 Jul 02.
   Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 19 Jul 02.