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

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2004-01457
		INDEX NUMBER: 107.00

	XXXXXXX	COUNSEL:  NONE

	XXXXXXX	HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to show that he received five additional Air Medals (AMs).

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 3 August 2004, the Board considered applicant’s request that he be awarded five additional AMs.  The Board found insufficient evidence of an error or injustice and denied the application.  For an accounting of the facts and circumstances surrounding the application, and the rationale of the earlier decision by the Board, see the Record of Proceedings at Exhibit E.

In a letter, dated 30 August 2004, the applicant requests reconsideration of his request and provides additional documentation, including a statement from a former crewmember.  The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit F.

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THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of probable error or injustice warranting award of five additional AMs.  The Board previously denied the applicant’s request based on the absence of evidence that he completed a total of 40 combat missions during World War II.  In support of his request for reconsideration, the applicant has provided a statement from a former crewmember attesting to his completion of 40 combat missions and that he was credited with destroying an enemy aircraft.  We also note that during the contested period, Twelfth Air Force had an established policy whereby an additional AM was awarded upon the completion of every five bombardment missions or the destruction of an enemy aircraft.  In view of the statement from the applicant’s former crewmember, we believe he should be awarded five additional AMs.  Therefore, we recommend his records be corrected to the extent indicated below.

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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:

	a.	On 25 September 1943, he was awarded the Air Medal, Fifth Oak Leaf Cluster, for extraordinary achievement, while serving as an aerial gunner on many bombardment missions over enemy occupied Continental Europe.

	b.	On 28 November 1943, he was awarded the Air Medal, Sixth Oak Leaf Cluster, for extraordinary achievement, while serving as an aerial gunner on many bombardment missions over enemy occupied Continental Europe.

	c.	On 25 December 1943, he was awarded the Air Medal, Seventh Oak Leaf Cluster, for extraordinary achievement, while serving as an aerial gunner on many bombardment missions over enemy occupied Continental Europe.

	d.	On 2 January 1944, he was awarded the Air Medal, Eighth Oak Leaf Cluster, for extraordinary achievement, while serving as an aerial gunner on many bombardment missions over enemy occupied Continental Europe.

	e.	On 3 January 1944, he was awarded the Air Medal, Ninth Oak Leaf Cluster, for extraordinary achievement by destroying an enemy aircraft over enemy occupied Continental Europe.

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The following members of the Board considered Docket Number BC-2004-01457 in Executive Session on 15 December 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

All members voted to correct the records, as recommended.  The following documentary evidence was considered:

     Exhibit E.  Record of Proceedings, dated 11 Aug 04, w/atchs.
     Exhibit F.  Letter, Applicant, dated 30 Aug 04, w/atchs.

AFBCMR BC-2004-01457

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 XXXXXXX, XXXXXXX, be corrected to show: 

		a.	On 25 September 1943, he was awarded the Air Medal, Fifth Oak Leaf Cluster, for extraordinary achievement, while serving as an aerial gunner on many bombardment missions over enemy occupied Continental Europe.

		b.	On 28 November 1943, he was awarded the Air Medal, Sixth Oak Leaf Cluster, for extraordinary achievement, while serving as an aerial gunner on many bombardment missions over enemy occupied Continental Europe.

		c.	On 25 December 1943, he was awarded the Air Medal, Seventh Oak Leaf Cluster, for extraordinary achievement, while serving as an aerial gunner on many bombardment missions over enemy occupied Continental Europe.

		d.	On 2 January 1944, he was awarded the Air Medal, Eighth Oak Leaf Cluster, for extraordinary achievement, while serving as an aerial gunner on many bombardment missions over enemy occupied Continental Europe.

		e.	On 3 January 1944, he was awarded the Air Medal, Ninth Oak Leaf Cluster, for extraordinary achievement by destroying an enemy aircraft over enemy occupied Continental Europe.