SECOND ADDENDUM TO
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-00529

		COUNSEL:  NONE
		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

MANDATORY CASE COMPLETION DATE:  28 MAY 2007

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

In the applicant’s request for reconsideration, he requests award of the Purple Heart (PH) medal.
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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant participated in the European Theater of Operation (ETO) during the period 22 December 1944 through 27 April 1945.  On 14 March 1945, shortly after takeoff, the applicant received injuries when an aircraft on which he was a crewmember lost an engine and crash-landed.  He was subsequently found unfit for military service and recommended for discharge.  On 19 September 1945, the applicant was honorably discharged in the grade of sergeant under the provisions of AR 615-361 (certificate of disability for discharge) from the Army Air Corps.  He had completed a total of 1 year, 7 months and 17 days of continental service and 4 months and 13 days of foreign service at the time of discharge.

On 25 August 2004 and 22 April 2005, the Board considered and denied similar appeals by the applicant.  A summary of the evidence considered by the Board and the rationale for its decision is set forth in the Record of Proceedings at Exhibits E and F.

On 30 March 2006, additional documentation was received from Congressman XXXXXX’s office and submitted as supporting documentation in reconsideration of the applicant’s appeal for award of the Purple Heart.  The complete submission is at Exhibit G.

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THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

After again reviewing this application and the evidence provided in support of the appeal, we believe that based on the new information provided, the applicant’s request for award of the PH should be granted.  We believe the letters and supporting documentation provided by the pilot and aerial gunner which demonstrates they along with other fellow crewmembers have been honored with the award of the PH based on the events surrounding the March 14, 1945 plane crash in England, are sufficient evidence that the applicant should be awarded the PH.  In view of the foregoing and in recognition of his service to the nation, it is the Board’s opinion that the applicant’s records should be corrected to reflect award of the PH.  

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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 14 March 1945, he was awarded the Purple Heart Medal for injuries he received in action against an enemy of the United States.
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The following members of the Board considered this application in Executive Session on 27 June 2006, under the provisions of AFI 36‑2603:
The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit E.  Record of Proceedings, dated 22 Apr 05, 
                w/Exhibits.
	Exhibit F.  Record of Proceedings, dated 24 Aug 04, 
                w/Exhibits.
	Exhibit G.  Supporting documentation, dated 15 Sep 05 and 
                11 Oct 05, w/Atchs.

AFBCMR BC-2004-00529

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 14 March 1945, he was awarded the Purple Heart Medal for injuries he received in action against an enemy of the United States.