RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-02218
		INDEX CODE:  108.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to reflect award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He flew 76 combat missions.  As a result, he was entitled to the DFC.

In support of his appeal, the applicant provided personal statements and excerpts from his flight log book.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant’s available military personnel records indicate that he enlisted in the Army of the United States (AUS) on 12 Mar 44 in the grade of private.  He served overseas in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations from 17 Feb 45 to 27 Mar 46.  He was honorably discharged on 7 Apr 46 in the grade of sergeant.  He was awarded the Air Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and World War II Victory Medal.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommended denial indicating that after 1944, the DFC and Air Medal were no longer awarded automatically, based on the number of combat missions flown, but a written recommendation had to be submitted into official channels (signed by the recommending official and endorsed by the next higher official in the chain of command).  Since the applicant’s records were destroyed, and he has not provided any documentation showing a written recommendation was signed and submitted, AFPC/DPPPR stated that they were unable to verify his eligibility for award of the DFC.

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

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to applicant on 3 Oct 03 for review and response.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office (Exhibit D).

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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 opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility (OPR) and adopt their rationale as the basis for our decision that the applicant has failed to sustain his burden that he has suffered either an error or an injustice.  We believe it should be pointed out that the applicant’s decorated service and sacrifice for his country has not gone unnoticed.  Notwithstanding this, no evidence has been presented which has shown to our satisfaction that the applicant met the established criteria for award of the DFC.  In view of the above, and in the absence of sufficient 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 AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2003-02218 in Executive Session on 4 Nov 03, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 2 Jun 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.