RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 

AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS 

 

IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2010-03250 

 COUNSEL: NONE 

 HEARING DESIRED: NO 

 

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: 

 

He be awarded the Purple Heart (PH) Medal for injuries received 
while on duty at Phu Cat Air Base, Republic of Vietnam. 

 

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: 

 

On or about 21 January 1968 while on duty in Vietnam, he deployed 
a hand flare for illumination; however, the flare ignited, 
burning his forearms, neck and face. After notifying the 
noncommissioned officer on duty (NCOD), he was relieved and taken 
to the base hospital for treatment of his injuries. 

 

In support of his request, the applicant provides extracts from 
his medical records. 

 

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

 

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STATEMENT OF FACTS: 

 

On 9 August 1965, the applicant enlisted in the Regular Air 
Force. 

 

The applicant’s SF Form 600, Chronological Record of Medical 
Care, states that on 21 January 1968, he received second and 
third degree burns on his face and arms. 

 

The PH is awarded for wounds received as a direct result of enemy 
actions (i.e., gunshot or shrapnel wounds, hand-to-hand combat 
wounds, forced aircraft bail out injuries, etc.) In addition, it 
is necessary that the wound required or received treatment by 
medical personnel. Indirect injuries do not meet the criteria 
for award of the PH. These include, but are not limited to, 
injuries received while seeking shelter from mortar or rocket 
attacks, aircraft bombings, grenades, and injuries incurred while 
serving as an aircraft member in a passenger status as a result 
of the aircraft’s evasive measures against hostile fire. 

 

 

 


On 31 January 1969, the applicant was honorably discharged in the 
grade of airman basic after serving 3 years, 5 months and 
23 days of total active service. 

 

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION: 

 

AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial. DPSIDR states the applicant’s 
military personnel and medical records lacks sufficient 
documentation or evidence to verify he was injured due to direct 
enemy action. 

 

The complete DPSIDR evaluation is at Exhibit C. 

 

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: 

 

The applicant states he is not sure what the Air Force needs from 
him. He has provided pictures to support his request. 

 

The applicant’s complete response, with attachments, is at 
Exhibit E. 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

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. After thoroughly 
reviewing the evidence of record, we are not persuaded the 
applicant’s request for the Purple Heart should be granted. The 
applicant’s contentions are duly noted; however, without 
documentation to substantiate his injury was the direct result of 
enemy action, we are unable to verify his entitlement to the 
Purple Heart. Therefore, we agree with the opinion and 
recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility 
and adopt its rationale expressed as the basic for our conclusion 
that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or 
injustice. In the absence of evidence to the contrary, 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. 

 

________________________________________________________________ 

 

The following members of the Board considered Docket Number 
BC-2010-03250 in Executive Session on 21 June 2011, under the 
provisions of AFI 36-2603: 


The following documentary evidence was considered: 

 

 Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 6 Sep 10, w/atchs. 

 Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. 

 Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 1 Nov 10. 

 Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 12 Nov 10. 

 Exhibit E. Applicant’s Response, dated 27 Nov 10.