RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS. IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2015-01431 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: He be awarded the Purple Heart. APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He was treated for a concussion at the base of his skull as a result of a rocket blast while in Baghdad, Iraq. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant is a former member of the Regular Air Force who retired on 31 October 2014 in the rank of lieutenant colonel. The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are contained in the memorandum prepared by the Air Force office of primary responsibility (OPR), which is attached at Exhibit C. AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSID recommends denial. The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces who have been wounded, killed or who have died, or may hereafter die, of wounds received in action against an enemy of the United States or opposing force as a result of an act of such enemy or opposing armed force, an international terrorist attack or during military operations while serving as part of a peacekeeping force. A wound for which the award is made must have required treatment, not merely examination, by a medical officer. Additionally, treatment of the wound shall be documented in the members medical and/or health record. Award of the Purple Heart may be made for wounds treated by a medical professional other than a medical officer, provided a medical officer includes a statement in the member’s medical report that the extent of the wounds were such that they would have required medical treatment by a medical officer of one had been available to treat them. After a thorough review of the applicant’s official military personnel record, the award of the Purple Heart could not be verified. There is no signed certificate or other official documentation located to verify the applicant was awarded the Purple Heart. The Purple Heart Review Board has the authority, on behalf of the Secretary of the Air Force, to determine a veteran’s award of the Purple Heart. Each request is considered based on the policies and criteria in use at the time of the veteran’s injury and based on the documentary evidence presented. However, the applicant must submit the required documentation for review. The applicant provided medical documentation; however, the applicant’s request could not be viewed by the Purple Heart Review Board as it lacks his personal account and eyewitness statements. There is no official documentation the applicant was awarded the Purple Heart, nor are there any eyewitness statements to corroborate his account of the injury. The complete AFPC/DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit C. APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: A copy of the Air Force evaluations was forwarded to the applicant on 3 November 2015 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit D). 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 timely filed. 3. Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice. Evidence has not been submitted which would lead us to believe the applicant was submitted for, or awarded the Purple Heart Medal. Therefore, 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 sufficient evidence to support his request that he is entitled to the award of the Purple Heart Medal. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to grant the relief sought in this application. THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT: The applicant be notified the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of material error or injustice; the application was denied without a personal appearance; and 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 AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2015-01431 in Executive Session on 14 January 2016 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: The following documentary evidence was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 2 Apr 15, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 6 Oct 15. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 3 Nov 15.