RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  02-02556 

		COUNSEL:  None

		HEARING DESIRED:  No

_________________________________________________________________

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and his Air Medal (AM) be updated to reflect 28 missions flown during World War II.
_________________________________________________________________

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

Due to being shot down, the service failed to update his flying records to reflect 28 missions flown and he was put in for the Distinguished Flying Cross in May 1944 but never received it.  

In support of his appeal, the applicant submits a copy of his discharge and a copy of the Request for Decoration and/or Citation.

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

_________________________________________________________________

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Apparently, the applicant’s records at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis were destroyed by the 1973 fire. However, the information provided by the applicant and the office of primary responsibility included an Honorable Discharge Certificate, which indicated he was assigned to the 401st Bombardment Group and was discharged in the grade of technical sergeant on  21 October 1945.  His Report of Separation reflects the award of the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, Good Conduct Medal, and the Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters.  His records were also corrected to reflect the award of Purple Heart, POW Medal, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and the Distinguished Unit Citation with 1 Oak Leaf Custer.  

_________________________________________________________________

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommended denial.  DPPPR states that there is no indication in the applicant’s reconstructed National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) folder that he was ever recommended for the award of the DFC or additional AMs and he did not provide any documentation to substantiate his claim of additional decorations.  Without any documentation showing he was recommended for the DFC or an additional AM, DPPPR cannot verify his eligibility for award of the DFC or an additional AM.  

AFPC/DPPPR evaluation, with attachments, is at Exhibit C.

_________________________________________________________________

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The applicant reviewed the Air Force evaluation and stated the he is attempting to get his records corrected and get the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross and any additional Air Medals authorized.  He has exhausted all other avenues of offices that should be able to provide the data and award the decorations.  He has attached documents from his former navigator on the crew of the flight he was on before being shot down and captured by the enemy.  He asks to please reconsider this decision and award him the decorations he has earned.

Applicant’s complete response is at Exhibit E. 

_________________________________________________________________

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.	Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice warranting the award of the Air Medal, Fourth Oak Leaf Cluster and the Distinguished Flying Cross.  After carefully reviewing this application, we are persuaded by the applicant's assertions concerning his accomplishments as a radio operator, mechanic and gunner in a B-17 bomber and the documentation provided that it is possible he did complete 28 combat missions while serving in the European Theater Operations from 9 November 1943 through 27 May 1944.  In view of the foregoing and in recognition of his service to the Nation, it is our opinion that any doubt should be resovled in the applicant's favor.  Therefore, we recommend his records be corrected to the extent indicated below.

_________________________________________________________________

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that:

	   a.  On 27 May 1944, he was awarded the Air Medal, Fourth Oak Leaf Cluster, for extraordinary achievement, while serving as a Radio Operator, Mechanic, and Gunner on B-17 airplanes on many bombardment missions over enemy occupied Continental Europe.

	   b.  On 30 May 1944, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement, while serving as a Radio Operator, Mechanic and Gunner on B-17 airplanes on many bombardment missions over enemy occupied Continental Europe.

_________________________________________________________________

The following members of the Board considered Docket Number 02-02556 in Executive Session on 15 January 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

All members voted to correct the records, as recommended.  The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 15 July 2002, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Fire Related Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, AFPC/DPPPR dated 29 October 2002,w/atch.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MIBR, dated 8 Nov 02.
	Exhibit E.	Applicant's Response, dated 17 Dec 02, w/atchs.

                                   

AFBCMR 02-02556

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 xxxxxxxxxxxxx, be corrected to show that:

	            a.  On 27 May 1944, he was awarded the Air Medal, Fourth Oak Leaf Cluster, for extraordinary achievement, while serving as a Radio Operator, Mechanic and Gunner on B-17 airplanes on many bombardment missions over enemy occupied Continental Europe.

                 b.  On 30 May 1944, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement, while serving as a Radio Operator, Mechanic and Gunner on B-17 airplanes on many bombardment missions over enemy occupied Continental Europe.