RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-01251 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: He be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster. APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: His crew was awarded two DFCs in 1945. They received the written memos, but not the actual Medals. His plane was the “City of Sacco”, named after their left gunner. During his service he flew 25 combat missions from Guam to Japan. His last mission was on 14 Aug 45. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant was inducted into the Army of the United States on 11 Feb 43 and entered active duty on 18 Feb 43. He performed duties as Radio Operator and Mechanic. On 6 Dec 45, the applicant was furnished an honorable discharge, and was credited with 2 years, 1 month, and 1 day of active service. He was credited with 6 months and 25 days of Foreign Service. The applicant’s WD AGD Form 53-55, Enlisted Record and Report of Separation – Honorable Discharge, reflects the award of the following Medals and/or Ribbons: - Distinguished Flying Cross - Air Medal with three Bronze Clusters - Good Conduct Medal - Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are contained in the memorandums prepared by the Air Force offices of primary responsibility (OPR), which are attached at Exhibits C, D, and E. AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSID recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice. The DFC may be awarded to any persons who, after 6 Apr 17, while serving in any capacity with the United States Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. The performance of the act of heroism must be evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty. The extraordinary achievement must have resulted in an accomplishment so exceptional and outstanding as to clearly set the individual apart from comrades or from other persons in similar circumstances. Awards will be made only to recognize single acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement and will not be made in recognition of sustained operational activities against an armed enemy. After a thorough review of the applicant’s limited official military personnel record, they were unable to verify award of the DFC with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit C. AFHRA/RS recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice. After a thorough review of the official unit histories of the 43rd Bombardment Squadron, 29th Bombardment Group, 314th Bombardment Wing, XXI Bomber Command and Twentieth Air Force, as well as the 871st Bombardment Squadron and 497th Bombardment Group, they have come to the conclusion that the 27 May 14 letter by AFPC/DPSID is correct in that the applicant’s claim for an additional DFC is without merit. A complete copy of the AFHRA/RS evaluation is at Exhibit D. SAF/MRBP recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice. They have reviewed the applicant’s records and supporting documents and concur with the recommendation of the Air Force Historical Research Agency and AFPC/DPSID to deny his request. There is no evidence or documentation to support his petition for an additional DFC. A complete copy of the SAF/MRBP evaluation is at Exhibit E. APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 30 Jan 15 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit F). 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 opinions and recommendations of the Air Force offices of primary responsibility (OPR) and SAF/MRBP and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error of injustice. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting the requested relief. 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-2014-01251 in Executive Session on 10 Mar 15 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: , Panel Chair , Member , Member The following documentary evidence pertaining AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-01251 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 9 Mar 14, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 27 May 14. Exhibit D. Memorandum, AFHRA/RS, dated 24 Dec 14. Exhibit E. Memorandum, SAF/MRBP, dated 14 Jan 15. Exhibit F. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 30 Jan 15.