RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-01940
		INDEX CODE:  107.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Purple Heart Medal.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He does not believe there was an error or injustice.  He was wounded in Normandy and also in Belgium, and froze both feet during combat conditions.  It was never entered into his records.

He was wounded the first time in Normandy, France not long after the invasion.  He was a corporal at the time assigned to MRR Squadron XXth Air Corps.  It was the last part of June 1944.  The medics thought the wound was from sniper fire from a glancing rock or metal on the road causing gashes on his left leg just above the ankle.  He was not hospitalized, but treated by medics and released.  The second time he was wounded was in Belgium near the town of Winterslag, the winter of 1944.  They were bombing Antwerp with the VI Buzz Bomb.  It was during an air raid that the spark arrester from a 6-man tent struck him causing a severe gash in the back of his head.  It required stitches at a field hospital; he was released the same day.  He realizes these were not crippling wounds but were wounds caused by the enemy under combat conditions.

In support of the appeal, applicant submits three personal statements, a copy of his medical reports, a copy of a news article showing another veteran received a Purple Heart for his badly frozen feet, a copy of documentation that shows applicant has a service connected disability evaluated at 100 percent for his cold weather injury, and a copy of his Report of Separation.

Applicant's complete submission is attached at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant was inducted into the Army of the United States on 19 January 1943 and entered active duty in the grade of private on 26 January 1943.  He was progressively promoted to the grade of sergeant and performed duties as an aircraft electrician.  He was assigned to the European-American Theater of Operation on 17 October 1943 and returned to the Continental United States on 27 November 1945.  He was honorably discharged because of demobilization on 4 December 1945.  He was credited with 8 months and 19 days of service in the continental United States and 2 years, 1 month and 20 days of foreign service.  His separation document indicates he had participated in the Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe, and Air Offensive Europe battles and campaigns.  He had been awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Victory Medal.

Prior to his separation, the applicant underwent a physical examination in which, among other things, it was indicated that there were “no complaints” when asked to list all significant diseases, wounds and injuries.  In addition, his separation document reported no wounds received in action.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR states that the applicant’s medical records do not indicate that he was wounded or injured at any time during World War II.  His physical examination upon discharge specifically states “none” in the section for wounds, injuries, or diseases.  Since the applicant has not provided the necessary information, or any documentation, to substantiate his claims, they are unable to verify his eligibility for award of the Purple Heart Medal.  Therefore, they recommend denial of applicant’s request.

On 2 September 2003, the applicant was asked to provide the necessary information and documentation listed on the Purple Heart Criteria sheet or withdraw his application.

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

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 16 February 2004, applicant forwarded copies from a diary that he kept.  He states that he could not provide any additional evidence.

Applicant's complete response, with attachments, is at Exhibit E.

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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 submissions in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinion and recommendation 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.  The applicant has not provided any corrobrative documentation or witness statements which would lead us to believe he was wounded or injured as a direct result of enemy action or that he received medical treatment at any time for such a wound or injury.  While we are not unappreciative of the applicant’s service to the nation, without some medical evidence relating to treatment, evidence of scarring from a wound or injury which qualifies under the criteria for award of the Purple Heart Medal, or witness statements in support of the applicant’s claims, the applicant’s 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, BC-2003-01940, in Executive Session on 25 March 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence pertaining to Docket Number BC-2003-01940 was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 11 Mar 03, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 14 Jan 04.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 23 Jan 04.
	Exhibit E.	Applicant’s Response, w/atchs.