RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2011-01452 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: YES ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: 1. He be awarded two Presidential Unit Citations (PUC). 2. He be awarded two Citations in the Order of the Day of the Belgian Army (CODBAs). ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He was a member of the 81st Airdrome Squadron, a subordinate unit of the 367th Fighter Group. It is his understanding that since his parent unit was awarded these citations, the subordinate groups are entitled to have the citations reflected on their discharge paperwork. Other unit members indicate they have the awards reflected on their discharge; they were discharged at other mobilization sites. The pace of demobilization was hectic and prone to administrative omissions. In support of his appeal, the applicant submits a copy of his Enlisted Record and Report of Separation Honorable Discharge, European Theater Operations Charts, the information on the history of the 367th Fighter Group, a narrative tribute to the 376th Fighter Group by Brigadier General Edwin Chickering, and a copy of his personal diary from 25 Jun 44 through 20 Aug 45. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. ________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant's military personnel records were destroyed by fire in 1973. Therefore, the facts surrounding his service cannot be verified. Data extracted from his reconstructed records reflect he served on active duty from 24 June 1942 to 13 November 1945. _______________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial. DPSIDR states the 81st Airdrome Squadron was awarded the CODBA with the inclusive dates of 6 June 1944 – 30 September 1944; however, they cannot verify the applicant was assigned to the unit at that time. His Report of Separation verifies he was assigned to the unit upon separation, but does not reflect the start date of the assignment. Additionally, the 81st Airdrome Squadron was not awarded the PUC w/1BOLC. Subordinate units do not automatically share in higher unit awards, but must be specified as earning the award in Air Force Pamphlet 900-2. The complete DPSIDR evaluation is at Exhibit C. ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: The applicant submitted a copy of a temporary promotion order listing him as a temporary promotee to the grade of Corporal. The special order, dated 13 June 1943, was accomplished by the 81st Airdrome Squadron, Chatham Field. The applicant’s complete response, with attachments, is at Exhibit D. ________________________________________________________________ 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 regarding award of the CODBA. We note the recommendation of denial by the Air Force office of primary responsibility was due to the lack of documentation verifying the applicant’s inclusive assignment period to the 81st Airdrome Squadron. However, based on his submission of his temporary promotion order and a letter of commendation, we believe reasonable doubt has been established that he is entitled to one award of the CODBA and not two as requested. We elect to resolve any doubt in this matter in favor of the applicant. However, we note the Recognition Programs Office has advised they are unable to accomplish the certificate for the CODBA as it is governed by Army regulations. Therefore, we recommend the applicant contact the Army to obtain a certificate for the CODBA. With regard to the award of the PUC w/1BOLC, the applicant has not provided sufficient evidence to support this request. Therefore, we recommend the 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 issues involved. Therefore, the request for a hearing is not favorably considered. ________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT: The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT be corrected to show that he was awarded the Citation in the Order of the Day of the Belgian Army on 30 September 1944. ________________________________________________________________ The following members of the Board considered BCMR Docket Number BC-2011-01452 in Executive Session on 12 October 2011, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: The following documentary evidence was considered Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 8 Sep 10 w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 19 May 11. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 27 May 11. Exhibit D. Applicant’s Response, dated 6 Jun 11 w/atchs.