RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:				DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-02055
INDEX CODE:  107.00 
	XXXXXXXXXXXXXX				COUNSEL: NONE

	XXXXXXXXXXXX					HEARING DESIRED:  YES

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: 

He be awarded the Purple Heart Medal.
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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

While he was stationed at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base (RTAFB), Thailand, the United States water bags they used were contaminated with bacteria.  This contamination caused him to have a colostomy one year after his discharge; therefore, creating his disability.  

The applicant provides no documentation to support his claim.  The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 5 April 1972, the applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force in the grade of airman basic for a period of four years at the age of 19.  The applicant was progressively promoted to the rank of airman first class (E-3), effective 1 February 1973 with a date of rank of 17 January 1973.  He performed duties as a Security Apprentice.  The applicant’s records indicate he performed overseas duty at Udorn RTAFB, Thailand.  He received one airman performance report for the period 5 April 1972 through 13 May 1973 with an overall rating of 7.

The applicant was administratively discharged with an honorable characterization of service on 28 August 1973.  The basis for his discharge was unsuitability based upon his diagnosis of a character and behavior disorder that was of sufficient severity to preclude his performance of any duties in a reliable manner.  He served 1 year, 4 months and 24 days on active duty of which 8 months and 12 days were Foreign Service.

A Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) rating decision dated 23 June 2004 indicates the applicant was awarded disability compensation for ulcerative colitis at 10% and perforated rectum with temporary colostomy at 0%.  The DVA found the applicant’s claims for pancreatitis associated with ulcerative colitus, passive aggressive personality disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder to not be service connected.  

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommends denial.  DPPPR states that there is no evidence in the applicant’s military records to indicate he sustained injury or illness incurred as the result of enemy action.  In addition, there is no evidence of medical treatment in the applicant’s file.  DPPPR notified the applicant that after their review of his personnel and medical records, there was not enough documentation to support his claim.  The applicant did not respond; therefore, they are unable to verify his entitlement to the Purple Heart.  The AFPC/DPPPR evaluation 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 the applicant on 17 September 2004 for review and response within 30 days.  As of this date, this office has received no response.

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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 an error or injustice.  After a thorough review of the available records, we found no evidence that the applicant is eligible for the award of the Purple Heart Medal.  The applicant’s contentions are duly noted; however, he did not provide any documentary evidence to substantiate his claim that he sustained injury or illness incurred as the result of enemy action, or that he was recommended for, or awarded, the Purple Heart Medal.  The personal sacrifice the applicant made for his country is noted and the recommendation to deny the requested relief in no way diminishes the high regard we have for his service.  Nevertheless, in view of the above, we find no basis to favorably consider this application. 

4.  The applicant's case is adequately documented and it has not been shown that a personal appearance with or without counsel will materially add to our understanding of the issues involved.  Therefore, the request for a hearing is not favorably considered.

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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 this application in Executive Session on 14 December 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36‑2603:

The following documentary evidence for AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2004-02055 was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 21 Jun 04.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, undated.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 17 Sep 04.