RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS


IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-03661

  						COUNSEL:  NONE

						HEARING DESIRED:  YES 


APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for his 
completion of 65 combat missions between May and December 1944 
in support of World War II (WWII). 


APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

When he first arrived in theater, crews were required to 
complete 25 combat missions before returning stateside.  Upon 
completion of missions and tour, crewmembers would be 
recommended for the DFC.  Before he reached 25 missions, 9th Air 
Force increased the DFC criteria to 65 missions.  He completed 
the required 65 combat missions therefore he should be awarded 
the DFC.  He became aware that other veterans had received the 
DFC at a recent 70th anniversary of D-Day (7 Jun 14).  

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


STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant initially entered the Army on 4 Aug 42 and 
subsequently served as a gunner for the 449th Bomb Squadron 
during WWII.

On 8 Jul 45, the applicant was furnished an honorable discharge, 
and was credited with 2 years, 11 months, and 5 days of active 
service.  

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are 
contained in the memorandums prepared by the Air Force offices 
of primary responsibility (OPRs), which are attached at Exhibits 
C and D.


AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSID recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of 
an error or an injustice.  After a thorough review of his 
military personnel record, they found no official documentation 
to verify he was recommended for or awarded the DFC.  

However, DPSID determined that the applicant’s record should 
reflect the award of the Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign 
Medal, and World War II Victory Medal and will administratively 
correct the record upon final board decision.  

A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit C.

AFHRA/RS agrees with AFPC/DPSID’s evaluation and recommends 
denial.  In response to General “Hap” Arnold’s 13 Aug 43 
directive to reduce the number of awards based solely upon 
mission counts, the 9th Air Force implemented policy which only 
recognized bestowal of the DFC under two situations: 1) 
recognition of an act of heroism while flying, or, 2) by 
extraordinary achievement.  This reason (extraordinary 
achievement) could use sustained operational performance to 
prove a general point, but the DFC award justification could not 
be based solely on sustained operational activities.  

A complete copy of the AFHRA/RS evaluation is at Exhibit D.


APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the 
applicant on 11 Jan 16 for review and comment within 30 days 
(Exhibit E).  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 timely filed.

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 adopt their rationale as the basis for 
our conclusion that relief beyond that already granted 
administratively is not warranted.  Therefore, we find no basis 
to favorably consider 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 issues 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-2014-03661 in Executive Session on 23 Feb 16 under the 
provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	Panel Chair
	Member
	Member

The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket 
Number BC-2014-03661 was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 3 Sep 14, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 24 Nov 14.
	Exhibit D.  Memorandum, AFHRA/RS, dated 6 Jan 16.
      Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 11 Jan 16.