RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-00244
		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 injured his left leg and back on 24 May 1969 while attempting to land a badly damaged AC-130 gunship aircraft.  Immediately after the airplane crashed landed, he was ordered by the Wing Commander to complete a report so his wounds were not immediately treated.  He states that the eight members of his crew who bailed out of the aircraft, and two members who lost their lives, were awarded the PH immediately following the mission.  It is impossible for him to prove that he received medical attention for his wounds because the medical facility at the Ubon Royal Thailand Air Base was a dispensary and not a hospital.

In support of his request, applicant submits a personal statement, two copies of his Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) disability award, a copy of the 13th Air Force well done award, a copy of excerpts of the 24 May 1969 mission, “Apollo’s Warriors - United States AF Special Operation during the Cold War”, a copy of his personal account of his tour in South East Asia, and a copy of his Distinguished Flying Cross citation.

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 as a commissioned officer from 15 September 1950 through 30 June 1972 and retired in the grade of Colonel.  He served in Thailand from 29 October 1968 through 29 October 1969.  His report of separation reflects award of the Bronze Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal with 11 Oak Leaf Clusters, Combat Readiness Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with (2BSS), National Defense Service Medal with (1BSS), Vietnam Service Medal with (1BSS), Armed Forces Reserve Medal and the Korean Service Medal.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommended the applicant's request be denied.  His original application was returned without action and a copy of the PH criteria sheet, informing him that he had not provided sufficient documentation or information to process his application.  He has only provided documentation showing that the DVA awarded him 60% disability for his back problems.  Since the applicant did not provide sufficient documentation or information to substantiate his claim, his case was not presented to the Purple Heart Review Board.

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.  Should the applicant secure documentation in support of his assertion in the form of statements of possible witnesses to the events under review; or, evidence from his medical records or from the Veterans Administration indicating the presence of wounds or scars, which could have been the result of injuries he indicates he suffered, the Board would reconsider his application.  While we are not unmindful or unappreciative of the applicant’s service to the nation, in the absence of evidence to support that he was wounded as a result of enemy action, we agree with the opinion of the Air Force and find no compelling basis to warrant favorable consideration of this 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-2003-00244 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 25 Mar 03, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit B.	Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 7 May 03, w/atchs.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 16 May 03.