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

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2007-00885
		INDEX CODE:  107.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  YES

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Silver Star (SS) for his Fifth Aerial Victory Credit (AVC). 

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant is a retired lieutenant general who served in the Korean War as an F-86E, Sabre, pilot, assigned to the 4th Fighter Interceptor Wing, Kimpo Air Base, South Korea.  During this period, he completed a total of 135 combat missions, totaling 191 combat hours, with four AVCs.

On 21 September 1952, the applicant, flying an F-86E, engaged in aerial combat with a MiG-15 near the Yalu River.  He was credited with a “Probably Destroyed.”

A Fifth Air Force Daily Intelligence Summary, dated 22 September 1952, indicated that during the morning of 21 September 1952, an estimated 16 MiGs were observed by F-86s (four encountered by three F-86s) with claims of one MiG damaged, pending film assessment.  During the afternoon, an estimated 111 MiGs plus one Type-15 (Lavochkin La-168) were observed by F-86s (69 encountered by 43 F-86s) with claims of five MiGs destroyed, one of which was pending film.  In addition, during the afternoon, eight F-84 Thunderjets, encountered four MiGs with claims of one MiG damaged.  An additional two MiGs were observed by an RF-80 Shooting Star.  

Applicant was credited with four AVCs between 5 August 1952 and 28 September 1952.  

On 28 November 2007, the AFBCMR considered and awarded the applicant his Fifth AVC, for destroying a MiG-15, on 21 September 1952, while serving as a pilot on an F-86E during the Korean War.  For an accounting of the facts and circumstances surrounding the applicant’s case, and, the rationale of the earlier decision by the Board, see the Record of Proceedings at Exhibit G.

On 18 July 2008, the applicant requested award of the SS (Exhibit H).  

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THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice warranting award of the Silver Star.  In this respect, we note the applicant’s victories during his Air Force career, to include the most recent award of his Fifth AVC by the Board.  Further, during the contested period, the SS was awarded for every fifth AVC during the Korean War.  In support of the appeal, the applicant has provided a statement from the only surviving double-Ace of the Korean War recommending award of the SS and indicating that the applicant should be awarded the SS as all other pilots were when they received their fifth victory.  In view of this, and given the applicant’s total number of AVCs, 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 on 21 September 1952, he was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States by destroying his fifth enemy aircraft.

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The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2007-00885 in Executive Session on 22 September 2008, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

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

     Exhibit G.  Record of Proceedings, dated 15 Jan 08.
     Exhibit H.  Email, Applicant, dated 18 Jul 08, w/atchs.  

                                   Chair

AFBCMR BC-2007-00885

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 that on 21 September 1952, he was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States by destroying his fifth enemy aircraft.

		Director
		Air Force Review Boards Agency