RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-00372
		INDEX CODE:  107.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NOT INDICATED

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to show he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He is very proud of his service to the country, and the Air Force, and would like his service record to accurately reflect his World War II (WWII) service.

While performing duties on a bombing run in the Pacific area of operations, he and another individual released a hung bomb while the aircraft was in the air.  He recently read an article about another individual who performed similarly on another aircraft who was awarded the DFC.

In support of the application, the applicant submits a personal statement, four (4) statements from crewmembers, and a newspaper article.  The applicant's complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant’s military personnel records were destroyed by fire in 1973.  Therefore, the facts surrounding his Air Force military service cannot be verified.  The following is the only know information concerning the applicant’s service and was extracted from his separation document.  

On 28 October 1943, the applicant enlisted in the Enlisted Reserve Corps at the age of 17.  He entered active duty on 1 June 1944 and was assigned to duties in the Air Corps.  He was progressively promoted to the grade of sergeant.  He was assigned to duties in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations on 11 May 1945 and participated in the Bismarck Archipelago, China Offensive, New Guinea, Air Combat Borneo and Air Offensive Western Pacific battles and campaigns.  He was entitled to wear the Army Air Force Air Crew Member Badge (Wings).  He was honorably discharged on 16 May 1946 by reason of demobilization.  He served 1 year, 11 months, and 15 days on active duty.  He was entitled to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with 5 Bronze Stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

In accordance with Army Regulation (AR) 600-45, Decorations, dated 22 September 1943, the DFC could be awarded to military members who, while serving in any capacity with the Army Air Forces, distinguished themselves by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.  If the DFC was given for heroism, the heroism had to be evidenced by voluntary action in the fact of great danger above and beyond the line of duty.  If for extraordinary achievement, the results accomplished must be so exceptional and outstanding as clearly to set the member apart from his comrades who have not been so recognized.

On 5 May 2004, HQ AFPC/DPPPR advised the applicant that the documentation he provided was insufficient to substantiate his claim for the DFC.  DPPPR informed the applicant that a copy of the special order awarding the DFC is required as verification of entitlement to award.  DPPPR provided additional instructions to the applicant, if the special order was not available.  DPPPR’s letter, with attachments, is at Exhibit C.

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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.  Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice warranting the award of the DFC.  No documentation exists to verify the applicant’s contentions.  However, we have reviewed the statements of the individuals who stated they served with the applicant on the cited wartime mission and who have supported his assertion that he successfully released a wedged bomb from the aircraft during a bombing mission to Rabaul in May 1945.  Based on the contents of those statements and having no reason to question their integrity, we believe approval of the requested relief would be appropriate in recognition of the applicant’s actions in the service of his Nation.  Therefore, the applicant’s records should be corrected in the following manner.  

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THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT be corrected to show that on 1 June 1945, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism while participating as a member of an aircrew on a B-24 aircraft on a bombing mission to Rabaul, New Guinea in May 1945.

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The following members of the Board considered this application in Executive Session on 25 August 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36‑2603:
All members voted to correct the records, as recommended.  The following documentary evidence was considered:

     Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 2 Feb 04.
     Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
     Exhibit C.  Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPPR, dated 5 May 04.
     Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 6 Feb 04.

                                   Panel Chair

AFBCMR BC-2004-00372

MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF

	Having received and considered the recommendation of the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records and under the authority of Section 1552, Title 10, United States Code (70A Stat 116), it is directed that:

	The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that on 1 June 1945, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism while participating as a member of an aircrew on a B-24 aircraft on a bombing mission to Rabaul, New Guinea in May 1945.

                                                                            Director
                                                                            Air Force Review Boards Agency