RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2011-03621 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: YES _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: Her deceased husband’s records be corrected to reflect he was awarded the Purple Heart Medal (PHM). _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: During the Korean War, her husband’s supply plane was shot down behind enemy lines. He and his crew were bayoneted in the legs and left for dead. Her husband spent months in the hospital during recovery. In support of her request, the applicant provides a personal statement and a copy of the deceased former member’s death certificate. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. _________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant served in the US Navy Reserve for 1 year, 3 months, and 26 days prior to enlisting in the Regular Air Force on 2 Jan 51 In accordance with Special Order (SO) 115, dated 16 May 51, the applicant was removed from training (Electronics Fundamental Course) after nine weeks of training due to unsatisfactory grades. He was placed in “Casual” status awaiting transfer to another training course. SO 492, dated 8 Oct 52, reflects the applicant was transferred to Outside Wire and Antenna Maintenance school. On 3 Dec 54, the applicant was honorably discharged and was credited with 5 years, 2 months, and 28 days of net service. _________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial, indicating the Directorate of Assignments was unable to verify the deceased former member performed any Foreign Service in Korea. Further, DPSIDR notes the absence of a detailed statement, eyewitness accounts, and lack of medical evidence. The PHM is awarded to members of the US 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 U.S. or opposing force as a result of an act of any 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 Service member’s medical and/or health record. DPSIDR’s complete evaluation is at Exhibit C. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 17 Apr 12 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 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 an 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 office of primary responsibility and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application. 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 issue(s) involved. Therefore, the request for a hearing is not favorably considered. _________________________________________________________________ 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-2011-03621 in Executive Session on 12 Jul 12, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: The following documentary evidence was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 14 Sep 12, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 6 Apr 12. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 17 Apr 12.