RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDSIN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2007-03546 INDEX CODE: 126.03 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: YES APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:The XX Bombardment Group’s Mission Report, for Mission Number 316, dated 16 Feb 45, to Langendreer and to Munster Railhead be corrected to reflect that crew 7201 successfully bombed the Munster Railhead. APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:The mission report does not reflect that his crew successfully bombed the Munster Railhead. Although the two wingmen had been able to return to England, there was nothing in the report concerning bombing the secondary target. He would like to insure that the record is corrected to show his crew did successfully bomb the secondary target and that his crew be recognized for their accomplishments.In support of his request, applicant provided a personal statement, a copy of a recommendation for award of the Medal of Honor, Special Order GB-228, and a copy of his Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) citation.The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS:The applicant is a former member of the Army Air Corps, who served on active duty from 17 Nov 42 to 31 Oct 45. He was held as a POW from 16 Feb 45 through 29 Apr 45. Department of the Air Force special order GB-228, dated 14 Apr 97 awarded the applicant and the four other surviving crewmembers the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for their extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 16 Feb 45.According to the citation for the award of the DFC, on 16 Feb 45, while serving as the Lead Crew Radio-Operator Gunner of a B-17 Bomber, the applicant and his crew flew over the primary target twice, with the enemy anti-aircraft fire over the primary target. His plane and one wingman continued the flight to Munster and successfully bombed the secondary target, Munster Railhead. The aircraft sustained major damage and the six surviving crew members bailed-out and were subsequently captured and held as Prisoners-of-War (POWs) in Germany. AIR FORCE EVALUATION:On 17 Jun 08, the applicant was notified by SAF/MRBR, that his request was forwarded to the Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFRHA), Maxwell AFB, Alabama for a processing determination. The AFHRA Archivist advised SAF/MRBR, that they serve as a historical repository and maintain original documents as written at the time of their creation. While they cannot change the mission report, they are prepared to access his inputs as part of their World War II, XX Bombardment Group collection. This serves as an opportunity to document both the official version and his understanding of that day’s event for future researchers.He was informed that in the event he would like to have his application considered by the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Correction Records (AFBCMR) as presented, to inform the Board staff of his intentions.A complete copy of the SAF/MRBR letter to the applicant, with attachments, is at Exhibit B. APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: A copy of the SAF/MRBR letter was forwarded to the applicant on 17 Jun 08, for review and comment. As of this date, no response has been received by this office. 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. Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice to warrant amending the XX Bombardment Group’s 16 Feb 45 Mission Report for Mission Number 316 (Synthetic Oil Place at Langendreer, Germany), to reflect that crew number 7201 successfully bombed the secondary target – the railhead at Munster Germany. In this respect, we note that in 1997, the applicant and the four other surviving members of his crew were awarded the DFC for their actions during the subject mission. The citation to accompany the award of the DFC and the statements provided by the two former members of his crew confirm the secondary target was bombed. In view of this, we recommend the applicant’s records be corrected to the extent indicated below. 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 issue(s) involved. Therefore, the request for a hearing is not favorably considered. THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that the 303rd Bombardment Group Mission Report, dated 16 Feb 45, for Mission Number 316 (Synthetic Oil Place at Langendreer, Germany), be appended to reflect that crew number 7201, successfully bombed the secondary target – the railhead at Munster, Germany. The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2007-03546 in Executive Session on 7 Oct 08, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: All members voted to correct the record, as recommended. The following documentary evidence was considered for AFBCMR Docket BC-2007-03546: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, w/atchs, dated 2 Oct 07, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 17 Jun 08, w/atch.