RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2004-02361
		INDEX CODE:  107.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE
  
		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to reflect credit for the Anzio campaign and any other campaigns to which he may be entitled.  

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He often tried to have his record corrected but has been unsuccessful.  

In support of his appeal, the applicant provides a copy of a letter from Personnel Services Division dated 5 October 1961.  The applicant’s submission, with attachment, is at Exhibit A. 

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Records indicate the applicant enlisted in the Army of the United States on 11 November 1942 and entered active duty on 25 November 1942.  He was assigned to duty in the Air Corps, and was progressively promoted to the grade of technical sergeant.  He performed duties as Flex Gunner.  Records indicate he was a Prisoner of War in Germany from 22 February 1944 to 26 April 1945.  

The applicant was honorably discharged in the grade of technical sergeant on 12 September 1945, for the Convenience of the Government (Demobilization).  He was credited with 1 year, 3 months and 4 days of continental service and 1 year, 6 months and 28 days of foreign service.  His separation document shows he participated in the Air Offensive Europe, Naples Foggia, and Air Combat, European-African-Middle Eastern (EAME) campaign.  He was awarded the Air Medal, two oak leaf clusters, Purple Heart and the EAME Campaign Medal. 

Applicant continued to serve in the Air Force Reserve.  He was transferred to the Retired Reserve in the Reserve grade of major effective September  awaiting pay at age 60.  He was credited with 22 years, 5 months and 10 days of satisfactory Federal service.  
By letter, dated 2 May 1951, the Personnel Services Division, forwarded the applicant the following awards:  Good Conduct Medal, Air Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with four bronze stars, WWII Victory Medal and the Aviation Badge.  In addition, the applicant was advised that he participated in the Air Offensive Europe, Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno and Air Combat, EAME Theater campaigns.

By letter, dated 5 October 1961, the Personnel Services Division, advised the applicant that the 722d Bomb Squadron, 450th Bomb Group was authorized the following campaigns:  Air Offensive Europe, Naples-Foggia, Rome Arno and Air Combat, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater. 

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommends the application be denied.  DPPPR states that the Anzio Campaign was recognized during the period 22 January 1944 through 24 May 1944.  After a thorough review of the applicant’s military record, DPPPR was unable to verify his unit participated in the campaign.  

The AFPC/DPPPR evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Applicant submits a copy of a publication, listing missions flown by Air Force combat units during WWII.  Applicant’s letter is at Exhibit E.

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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.  Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error and injustice.  Based on the documentation submitted by the applicant and in view of the information provided by the Air Force Historical Research Agency verifying the applicant’s unit, the 722nd Bomb Squadron, was credited with participation in the Anzio campaign, we believe the applicant’s records should be corrected as indicated below.

4.  We have noted the applicant’s assertion that he “may” be eligible for other campaign credits.  However, other than his own assertions, he has provided no evidence leading us to believe that in addition to the above and the credit he previously received, further corrections to his record are warranted.  Without such evidence, we are unable to favorably consider this request.

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THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT be corrected to show that he was awarded campaign credit for participation in the battle at Anzio, Italy during the period 1 February 1944 to 1 March 1944.  

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The following members of the Board considered this application in Executive Session on 14 October 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36‑2603:

All members voted to correct the records as recommended.  The following documentary evidence for AFBCMR Docket Number 04-02361 was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 2 Aug 04, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 18 Aug 04.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 27 Aug 04.
    Exhibit E.  Letter, Applicant, dated 11 Sep 04.

AFBCMR BC-2004-02361

MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF

	Having received and considered the recommendation of the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records and under the authority of Section 1552, Title 10, United States Code (70A Stat 116), it is directed that:

	The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to XXXXXXXXXXXXX, be corrected to show that he was awarded campaign credit for participation in the battle at Anzio, Italy during the period 1 February 1944 to 1 March 1944.