RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-00103
		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:

During World War II his unit was attacked and he received wounds in his left shoulder.  No medics were present so another soldier was able to remove the bullet and patched his wounds.  He continued to clean the wound and change the dressing until it was healed.  His complete submission is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant contracted his initial enlistment in the Army Air Corps on 28 Oct 42 and served various assignments until his voluntary retirement for length of service on 31 Mar 67.  He was progressively promoted to the grade of staff sergeant, having assumed that grade effective and with a date of rank of 1 Dec 52.   

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommends denial.  DPPPR states a member must provide documentation to support that wounds were a direct result of enemy action and that the wounds required or received medical treatment by medical personnel.  Since he did not provide the required documentation, denial is recommended.  The DPPPR evaluation is at Exhibit C.  

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Applicant responded that he was in an open field when his truck hit a land mine.  The medic held up his fingers and asked him how many.  He responded and was told he was fine but his truck was on fire.  Several thousand others were treated in this manner and there will not be any record of their treatment.  He was told that he was the only person assigned to his unit that could be found alive.  

His complete response 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 complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we find no evidence which would lead us to believe that the applicant received and was treated for any wounds incurred as a direct result of enemy action as required for award of the Purple Heart.  Therefore, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  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 Docket Number    BC-2004-00103 in Executive Session on 3 Jun 04, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated8 Jan 04, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 21 Apr 04, w/atchs.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 23 Apr 04.
    Exhibit E.  Letter, Applicant, dated 29 Apr 04.

                                   
                                   Panel Chair