RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-00355
		INDEX CODE:  107.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

1.  He be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).

2.  He be promoted to the grade of master sergeant based on the fact that he was a Prisoner of War (POW) during World War II.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

What brought on this request was last month he attended a reunion of his old bomb group (384th).  While talking with many of the men, the conversation got around to awards and medals.  He was shot down on his 21st mission and taken as a prisoner of war (POW).  All of the men that he spoke to received the DFC after flying 21, 22, 23, 24 or 25 missions.  Most of these men started flying combat after he was shot down.  He also learned that the 384th Bomb Group received a group citation for an air strike in January of 1944, which he was a part of.

There is no injustice in his case.  He is simply requesting advancement as a former POW.

In support of the appeal, applicant submits a personal statement, a copy of his DD Form 214, a copy of his discharge certificate and a copy of request for promotion.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant enlisted in the Army Air Force on 5 August 1942.

Applicant served on Active Duty during the period 19 August 1942 to 6 September 1945, with an overseas tour in Europe during the period 30 September 1943 to 2 June 1945.  He was shot down and taken POW in Austria on 13 April 1944 and returned to military control on 3 May 1945.  His Report of Separation reflects award of the Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters.  He is also entitled to the American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, and POW Medal.  His Report of Separation has been updated to reflect all verified awards and decorations.

On 19 February 2003, DPPPR informed the applicant that his records were destroyed in the 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center, and he had not provided any documentation to show that he was recommended for award of the DFC.  He was asked to withdraw his application until such time that he could obtain a signed and endorsed recommendation package for the DFC.  He did not respond.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR states that the applicant has not provided any documentation showing he was recommended for, or awarded, the DFC.  The DFC is not awarded for having been shot down and taken POW when an individual has already received recognition for aerial achievements.  Therefore, they recommend denial of applicant’s request.

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

AFPC/DPPPWB states that a review of the applicant’s record indicates he was a POW from 13 April 1944 to 3 May 1945, approximately 13 months.  Military Personnel Division, ASF, Department of the Army Message 212259Z Sep 45, states that recovered personnel must have been absent from military control under honorable conditions for eighteen months or longer, and have not yet received a one grade promotion since return to military control, in order to be eligible for a POW promotion.  Since the applicant was a POW for approximately 13 months, he does not meet the prerequisites for a promotion.  Therefore, they recommend denial of applicant’s request.

A complete copy of their evaluation is attached at Exhibit D.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 30 May 2003, copies of the Air Force evaluations were 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.  We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinions and recommendations of the Air Force and adopt their rationale as the basis for the conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application.

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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, Docket No. BC-2003-00355 in Executive Session on 9 July 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

				Panel Chair
				Member
				Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Forms 149, dated 9 Oct 02, and 6 Feb 03,
               w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 9 May 03, w/atchs.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, AFPC/DPPPWB, dated 12 May 03, w/atch.
	Exhibit E.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 30 May 03.

					
					Panel Chair