RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  02-02502
				INDEX CODE:  107.00
	APPLICANT	COUNSEL:  None

	SSN		HEARING DESIRED:  No

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Air Medal (AM).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was a flight engineer for the 74th Bombardment Squadron (BS) and flew over 200 hours of combat patrol.  The AM was made to all crewmembers that had flown at least 200 hours of combat patrol time.  The award was awarded in June 1943 to the 74th BS.

Applicant's complete submission, with attachments, is attached at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant  served on  active duty in the Army Air Corps from 4 August 1939 through 2 September 1945 and received an honorable discharge.

Applicant's military personnel records were destroyed by the 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center; therefore, only limited information is available for review.

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AIR STAFF EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPPPR states the applicant was requested to provide official documentation in support of his request.  The applicant submitted a copy of his Report of Separation and a history of the 74th Bombardment Squadron.  The applicant did not provide any other official documentation regarding his military service.  The applicant was informed on 21 November 2002 that the documentation he submitted was not sufficient to substantiate his request.  The applicant was also informed that a written recommendation would have been submitted, recommending him for the AM.  He did not respond.  The applicant’s Report of Separation shows the applicant was an Airplane Maintenance Technician and assigned to the 52nd BS.  Without verification that the applicant was a flight engineer, assigned to the 74th BS and flew over 200 hours of combat patrol, and a if a written recommendation had been submitted to award him the AM, we cannot verify his eligibility for award.  

DPPR recommends disapproval of the applicant’s request.

A complete copy of the Air Staff evaluation is attached at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR STAFF EVALUATION:

A complete copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 10 January 2003, for review and response.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office.

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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 of timely file.

3.	Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice.  We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force and adopt their rationale as the basis for our decision that the applicant has failed to sustain his burden that he has suffered either an error or an injustice.  The applicant requests he be awarded the AM because he was member of the 74th Bombardment Squadron serving as a flight engineer and flew over 200 hours of combat patrol.  Unfortunately, the applicant’s personnel records were apparently destroyed in the 1973 fire at the NPRC.  Therefore, AFPC requested the applicant provide a copy of his Report of Separation and any other documents to substantiate his request for award of the AM.  The applicant submitted a copy of his Report of Separation and a history of the 74th Bombardment Squadron and other units assigned in the Panama Canal Zone.  The Report of Separation the applicant provided indicates that he arrived in the Canal Zone on 18 September 1939 and departed on 22 February 1943.  The Report of Separation also indicates the applicant received a Good Conduct Medal in 1943 while assigned to the HQ 52nd Bomb Squadron, presumably for his service while assigned in the Canal Zone.  The Report of Separation also indicates the applicant served as an aircraft maintenance technician.  The history of the 74th Bombardment Squadron indicating that the AM was awarded to all crewmembers who had flown at least 200 hours of combat patrol time is duly noted.  However, the applicant has not provided persuasive evidence that he was a crewmember with the 74th Bombardment Squadron who flew at least 200 hours of combat patrol time.  Further, he provides no documentation reflecting a written recommendation for the AM.  Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application.  We wish to point out that our decision in no way should be construed as a diminishment of the applicant’s significant contributions during World War II.  His achievements and personal sacrifice in defending his country in a time of peril are unquestionable.  

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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.

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The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number 02-02502 in Executive Session on 11 February 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36‑2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 1 Aug 02, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPPR, dated 30 Dec 02.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 10 Jan 03.