RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-01722
		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 the right eye in September 1969 while in the Republic of Vietnam, during a rocket attack.  During that time he turned down the PH Medal.

In support of his request, applicant submits a copy of the Standard Form 600, Chronological Record of Medical Care.

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 3 November 1966 through 2 November 1970.  His enlisted performance reports rated him for the period 1 July 1968 through 20 January 1969 as having been assigned to the --th Tactical Air Support Squadron, Bien Hoa AB, Vietnam.  His report of separation reflects award of the Republic of Vietnam, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct and the Air Force Commendation Medal.  

On 16 September 2003, the applicant’s records were corrected to reflect the award of the Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze service stars, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with “V”, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.

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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.  The medical report only shows that the applicant went to the emergency room on 1 September 1969, stating that a piece of glass hit his right eye.  There is nothing to show that it was a result of enemy action or an accident.  He has not provided any statements from an eyewitness to corroborate his claim, or provided any details as to how the injury occurred.  Without the necessary documents and information, 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 26 Sep 03 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.  The two web sites at www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/awards/ and www.au.af.mil/au/afhra/ may be useful to help secure evidence to support his case.  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-2003-01722 in Executive Session on 6 November 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 12 May 02, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 15 Sep 03, w/atchs.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 26 Sep 03.

	Vice Chair