RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-02082
		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:

In support of his request, applicant submits a copy of a Medical Evacuation Order from Vietnam and a copy of his DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant’s military personnel records reflect that he served on active duty from 23 October 1965 through 31 October 1971 and retired in the grade technical sergeant.  He served 20 years and 21 days of active duty service.

He served in Vietnam from 19 September 1967 to 28 November 1967.  His DVA medical records show that he was assigned to the 460th Field Maintenance Squadron in Vietnam and was reassigned to the patient squadron pending reassignment to a medical facility in the United States on 30 November 1967.  He is entitled to the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with two bronze service stars, National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommended the applicant's request be denied.  He has not provided any information or documentation regarding a wound or injury incurred as a result of enemy action.  The few medical documents available from VA show that he injured his knees in 1951 or 1952, and was evacuated from Vietnam back to the U.S. for an operation on his knee.  Applicant has not stated what injury or wound he was supposed to have received, how it occurred or when.  There is insufficient information on which to base a conclusion. Therefore, 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 3 Oct 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, the board was not persuaded that he should be awarded the Purple Heart Medal.  There was no evidence presented, other than his own assertions, which would lead the Board 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 evidence that he was wounded as a direct result of enemy action, the Board finds 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-2003-02082 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 3 Feb 03, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 24 Sep 03, w/atchs.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 3 Oct 03.