RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 

 AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS 

 

IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2010-02111 

 COUNSEL: 

 HEARING DESIRED: NOT INDICATED 

 

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THE APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: 

 

1. He be awarded the Purple Heart (PH) medal. 

 

2. He be awarded the Air Force Combat Action Medal (AFCAM). 

 

3. He be awarded the Presidential Unit Citation (PUC). 

 

4. He be awarded the Humanitarian Service Medal (HSM). 

 

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THE APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: 

 

On 24 Feb 71, while serving as a truck driver, he came under 
rocket attack and now suffers from lower back pain, scars, and 
bruises. 

 

In support of his appeal, the applicant provides a copy of a 
certificate of appreciation; extracts from his Department of 
Veterans Affairs (DVA) medical notes, and his military medical 
records, as certified by the American Legion (AL). 

 

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

 

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STATEMENT OF FACTS: 

 

The relevant facts pertaining to this application, extracted 
from the applicant’s military records, are contained in the 
letter prepared by the appropriate office of the Air Force. 

 

On 8 Oct 99, the applicant’s record was administratively 
corrected to reflect award of the Air Force Outstanding Unit 
Award, with Valor and One Oak Leaf Cluster, (AFOUA w/V and 
1OLC), the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (RVCM), and the 
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, with Palm (RVGNC, w/P). 

 

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THE AIR FORCE EVALUATION: 

 

AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial, stating, in part, without any 
official documentation or eyewitness statement, they could not 
verify the applicant’s entitlement to the PH, PUC, AFCAM, or the 
HSM. 

 

In addition, they listed additional criteria for a request to be 
considered by the Purple Heart Review Board (PHRB); however, no 
additional documentation meeting the criteria was located or 
provided to substantiate the applicant’s claim of wounds 
received from enemy action. 

 

The applicant’s listed units, while being awarded the Air Force 
Outstanding Unit Award (AFOUA) and AFOUA, with Valor (AFOUA, 
w/V), the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, with Palm (RVNGC, 
w/P); however, no PUCs were awarded to this unit. 

 

Based on the documentation provided, it was confirmed the 
applicant’s assigned base came under several enemy attacks; 
however, the applicant separated from active duty on 2 Nov 71. 
The establishment of the AFCAM came thirty years later and was 
not retroactive. 

 

The HSM was given during three separate operations in Vietnam; 
however, the operations occurred from 1 Apr – 30 Apr 75, after 
the applicant had separated. 

 

The complete DPSIDR evaluation is at Exhibit C. 

 

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF THE AIR FORCE EVALUATION: 

 

On 1 Feb 11, the applicant’s case file was administratively 
closed as requested. 

 

On 25 Jul 12, the applicant forwarded additional documentation 
for review by the Board. In his statements, he further explains 
in more specific detail the events surrounding his request for 
award of the PH. Along with declassified documents on the day 
of the attack, 24 Feb 71. 

 

The applicant’s complete response, with attachments, 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. Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to 
demonstrate the existence of error or injustice. We took notice 
of the applicant's complete submission, including the additional 
documentation submitted when he reopened his case, in judging 
the merits of the case; however, 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 
relief beyond that already granted administratively is not 
warranted. In view of the above and in the absence of evidence 
to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting further 
relief 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-2010-02111 in Executive Session on 30 Apr 13, under 
the provisions of AFI 36-2603: 

The following documentary evidence was considered: 

 

 Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 12 Oct 10, w/atchs. 

 Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. 

 Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 13 Dec 10. 

 Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 23 Dec 10. 

 Exhibit E. Letter, AFBCMR, dated 1 Feb 11, w/atchs. 

 Exhibit F. Fax, Applicant, received 24 Jul 12, w/atchs.