RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-00238
		INDEX CODE:  107.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Purple Heart (PH) Medal.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was injured in March 1968 while in the Republic of Vietnam, when his left hand was caught in the main gear door of an F-100 airplane.  He sustained major cuts to his wrist and middle finger and was informed that he would be put in for a PH medal.

In support of his request, applicant submits a copy of the radiographic report.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant’s military personnel records reflect that the applicant served on active duty from 16 March 1961 through 1 April 1987.  His medical records have not been made available for review.  His enlisted performance reports rated him for the period 2 July 1967 through 1 July 1968 as having been assigned to the 531st Tactical Fighter Squadron, Bien Hoa AB, Vietnam.  His report of separation reflects award of the Republic of Vietnam, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal with 1 silver Oak Leaf Cluster and the Meritorious Service Medal.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommended the applicant's request be denied.  The applicant has not provided any documentation to show he was injured as a direct result of enemy action.  His request is based only on the fact that he was in Vietnam and he was injured.  Since there is no documentation or corroborating statements from an eyewitness, his eligibility for award of the PH cannot be verified.

The DPPPR evaluation, with attachments, is attached at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 16 May 2003 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 a thorough review of the applicant’s submission and the available evidence of record, we are not persuaded that he should be awarded the Purple Heart Medal.  There was no evidence presented, other than his own assertions, which would lead us to believe that he was medically treated for any wounds incurred as a direct result of enemy fire.  We are not unmindful or unappreciative of his service to his Nation.  Should he secure supporting documentation or a notarized account from an individual who eye witnessed his injuries, we would be willing to reconsider his application.  Otherwise, without persuasive evidence that he was wounded as a direct result of enemy action, we find no compelling basis to warrant favorable consideration of his application.

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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of an 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 no considered with this application.

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The following members of the Board considered Docket Number BC-2003-00238 in Executive Session on 1 July 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 14 January 03, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 9 May 03, w/atchs.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 16 May 03.