RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:				DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2007-01784
							INDEX CODE:  130.00
    xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 			COUNSEL:  NONE
    							HEARING DESIRED: NO

MANDATORY CASE COMPLETION DATE:  8 DECEMBER 2008

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to reflect he was a prisoner-of-war (POW). 

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He is entitled to a monthly pension because of the pain and suffering he endured as a POW.  He was held a prisoner for 3 years, 3 months and 3 days at Hokkaido, Japan prison camp.  He received numerous medals and certificates from President Truman.  He is unable to provide any personal records, medals or certificates because his ex-daughter-in-laws burned all his records.

In support of his appeal, applicant submits a personal statement.  

The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

It appears the fire in 1973 at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) destroyed the former member's military personnel records.  Therefore, the facts surrounding his Air Force military service cannot be verified.  

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPFC recommends denial.  DPFC states that according to a War Department Form 372-A, Final Payment-Work Sheet, and the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, the applicant enlisted in the Army Air Force on 11 June 1946 and was discharged on 7 June 1949.  Since World War II ended one year prior to the applicant enlisting, he could not have been a POW.  In addition, DPFC coordinated with the Army Repatriation and Family Affairs Division who confirmed the applicant is not listed on their WWII database.  The AFPC/DPFC complete evaluation, with attachments, is at Exhibit B.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 20 June 2007 for review and comment 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 error or injustice.  The applicant contends he should be awarded Prisoner of War status.   We took notice of his complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not provided any documentation to confirm he was a POW.  Therefore, we find no basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application.  

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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 Docket Number 2007-01784 in Executive Session on 26 July 2007, under the provisions of AFI 36‑2603:

The following documentary evidence pertaining to Docket Number BC-2007-01784 was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, 24 May 07, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Letter, HQ AFPC/DPFC, dated 18 Jun 07, w/atchs.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 20 Jun 07.