RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2002-03522
		INDEX CODE:  107.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to show he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal (BSM).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal (BSM), but can not recall the date.  In support of the appeal, he provided a copy of a letter of commendation, a copy of a photograph, a copy of his separation document and a copy of the Army Air Forces CONAS AACS Monthly Intelligence Summary.

Applicant's complete submission is attached at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant’s records were destroyed in the 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center.  The following information was extracted from the separation document provided by the applicant.

The applicant served on active duty during the period 6 August 1942 to 9 December 1945, with an overseas tour in the Southwest Pacific Theater during the period 28 July 1943 to 18 September 1945.  His Report of Separation reflects the award of the Purple Heart Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, Philippine Liberation Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, American Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR states that there is no documentation showing that he met the criteria for the award of the BSM, or that he was recommended for this decoration.

On 14 November 2002, AFPC/DPPPR informed the applicant that he needed to provide a copy of the order awarding him the Bronze Star Medal.  The commendation letter provided only stated that the applicant deserved some sort of recognition.  The photograph provided depicts a sergeant first class, not a staff or technical sergeant (the ranks held by the applicant), as only Army rank was used until 1947.  Criteria for the BSM was given, and it was explained to the applicant that the BSM is awarded while engaged in action against an enemy.  The applicant was asked to provide a copy of the order awarding him the BSM or withdraw his application.  He did not respond.  Therefore, they recommend denial of applicant’s request.

A complete copy of the evaluation, with attachments, is attached at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 31 January 2003, a copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant for review and response 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.  In cases of this nature, regularity is presumed in the actions by military officials in the absence of a showing of error or injustice by the applicant.  The applicant asserts he was awarded the BSM while he was in the service.  We have noted the assessment of the available evidence by the Air Force office of primary responsibility and concur with their opinion and recommendation in this matter.  While we are not unappreciative of the applicant’s contributions while serving the nation, in view of the above, the evidence provided does not provide an adequate basis to find he was awarded the BSM while in the service.  Should he provide more specific and detailed documentary evidence to support his contentions, we would be willing to reconsider his appeal.  In the absence of such evidence, his request is not favorably considered.

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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 29 April 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

				Panel Chair
				Member
				Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 10 Jul 01, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 28 Jan 03, w/atch.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, AFBCMR, dated 31 Jan 03.