ADDENDUM TO
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2002-02533

	 	COUNSEL:  NONE

	 	HEARING DESIRED:  YES

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to show that he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), rather than the Air Medal, Fourth Oak Leaf Cluster (AM, 4 OLC).

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 19 November 2002, the Board considered applicant’s request.  The Board found insufficient of an error or injustice and denied the application.  For an accounting of the facts and circumstances surrounding the application, and the rationale of the earlier decision by the Board, see the Record of Proceedings at Exhibit E.

In a letter, dated 26 February 2003, the applicant’s Congressman requests reconsideration of his application and provides additional documentation.  The additional documentation indicated that on 24 February 1944 he destroyed two enemy aircraft during a combat mission to Gotha, Germany.  The complete submission is at Exhibit F.

During World War II, the 8th Air Force had an established policy whereby a DFC was awarded upon the destruction of five enemy aircraft.

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THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice.  In this respect, we note the applicant’s records indicate that he destroyed one aircraft on 23 March 1944 and one aircraft on 5 November 1944, for which he was awarded two AMs.  The additional documentation submitted by the applicant’s Congressman, indicates that he destroyed two enemy aircraft on 24 February 1944.  In addition, the waist gunner on the 24 February 1944 mission states that the applicant was the tail gunner on the mission and personally shot down two FW-109s during the mission.  Although a copy of the orders/citation to accompany award of the AM, 4 OLC, are unavailable, in his letter of 19 October 2000, the applicant states that he received this award after return to the Continental United States for destroying one enemy aircraft during his last mission on 16 December 1944, for a total of five enemy aircraft destroyed.  The applicant further states that had he remained in England he would have been awarded the DFC, rather than a fifth Air Medal.  Since we have no reason to question the applicant’s personal statement, and given the 8th Air Force’s established policy during the period in question of awarding the DFC upon the destruction of a total of five enemy aircraft, we believe the interest of justice can best be served by resolving any doubt in the applicant’s favor.  Therefore, we recommend the applicant’s records be corrected to the extent 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 he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, rather than the Air Medal, Fourth Oak Leaf Cluster, for meritorious achievement in the destruction of five enemy airplanes while serving as crewman on bombardment missions over enemy occupied Continental Europe.

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The folloing members of the Board considered Docket Number BC-2002-02533 in Executive Session on 23 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 E.  Record of Proceedings, dated 19 Dec 02, w/atchs.
    Exhibit F.  Letter, Congressman Andrews, dated 26 Feb 03,
	            w/atchs.

                                   

AFBCMR BC-2002-02533

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 he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, rather than the Air Medal, Fourth Oak Leaf Cluster, for meritorious achievement in the destruction of five enemy airplanes while serving as crewman on bombardment missions over enemy occupied Continental Europe.