RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  02-02072
		
	 	COUNSEL:  NONE

	 	HEARING DESIRED: NO
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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

The reasons the applicant believes the records to be in error or unjust and the evidence submitted in support of the appeal are at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant’s military personnel records were destroyed by fire in 1973 at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC).  Therefore, the following information was obtained from documentation provided by the applicant.

The applicant enlisted in the Army Air Corps on 20 October 1941.

He was honorably discharged on 13 January 1943, and commissioned a second lieutenant in the Army Air Corps Reserve and entered active duty.

He was promoted to the grade of first lieutenant on 17 October 1944.

He was released from active duty on 8 September 1945.

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 recommends the application be denied and states, in part, that the applicant has not provided any documentation showing he was recommended for the DFC.  Therefore, they cannot verify his eligibility for the DFC.

The AFPC/DPPPR evaluation, with attachment, is at Exhibit B.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation, with attachment, was forwarded to the applicant on 13 September 2002 for review and comment within 30 days.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office.

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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 thoroughly reviewing the limited evidence provided by the applicant, we are not persuaded that he has been the victim of an error or injustice.  The personal sacrifice the applicant endured for his country is noted and our decision in no way diminishes the high regard we have for his service; however, insufficient documentary evidence has been presented to warrant awarding him the DFC.  Hence, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought.

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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 02-02072 in Executive Session on 23 October 2002, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 25 Sep 01, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 4 Sep 02, w/atch.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 13 Sep 02.

                                   Panel Chair