RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 

AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS 

 

IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2012-01621 

 COUNSEL: NONE 

 HEARING DESIRED: NO 

 

 

 

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: 

 

He be awarded the Purple Heart (PH) Medal. 

 

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: 

 

His unit overlooked putting him in for the PH. His injury was 
not considered serious. He was injured under hostile conditions 
while honorably serving his country at Nha Thrang Air Base. When 
he returned from a rescue mission he jumped off a 2½ ton truck 
and caught his ring finger on the rail of the truck. His finger 
was partially severed at the second joint. This was time the 
base was hit by rockets. 

 

His complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. 

 

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STATEMENT OF FACTS: 

 

The applicant was discharged on 2 Oct 68 in the grade of sergeant 
after serving 3 years and 11 months on active duty. 

 

The PH 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 any such enemy 
or opposing armed force, an international terrorist attack or 
during military operations while serving as a 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. 
Award of the PH may be made for wounds treated by a medical 
professional other than a medical officer, provided a medical 
officer includes a statement in the service member’s medical 
record that the extent of the wounds were such that they would 
have required treatment by a medical officer if one had been 
available to treat them. 


 

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are 
contained in the letter prepared by the appropriate office of the 
Air Force, which is at Exhibit C. 

 

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION: 

 

AFPC/DPSID recommends denial. The applicant claims his injury 
was due to his finger getting caught in the railing of the truck 
when he attempted to exit. The applicant’s medical records 
indicate the injury was due to an accident. Further, the Purple 
Heart Review Board reviewed his case on 28 Jun 12; however, they 
denied his request. 

 

The complete DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit C. 

 

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: 

 

He is still seeking the PH Medal. 

 

The applicant’s complete submission, with attachment, 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 an error or injustice with regard to 
the applicant’s request to be awarded the PH. After a thorough 
review of the available evidence and applicant’s complete 
submission, we find no evidence the applicant’s records should be 
corrected to show he was awarded the PH. As such, 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 been the victim of an error 
or injustice. The applicant’s honorable service is noted. 
Regrettably, we do not find the evidence submitted is sufficient 
to recommend granting the requested relief. 

 

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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. 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket 
Number BC-2012-01621 in Executive Session on 12 Feb 13, under the 
provisions of AFI 36-2603: 

 

 , Panel Chair 

 , Member 

 , Member 

 

The following documentary evidence was considered: 

 

 Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 17 Apr 12, w/atchs. 

 Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. 

 Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSID, dated 19 Jul 12. 

 Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 26 Jul 12. 

 

 

 

 

 

 Acting Panel Chair