How do you get the Prisoner of War Medal?

The POW Medal is to be issued only to those U.S. military personnel and other personnel granted credible U.S. military service who were taken prisoner and held captive:

while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States.
while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force.

Do all POWs get a Purple Heart?

Effective this date, the Purple Heart is limited to American military personnel and civilian awards are eliminated. The Department of Defense authorizes the Purple Heart for POWs (after December 7, 1941) who subsequently die in captivity.

What medal do POWs get?

The Prisoner of War Medal
The Prisoner of War Medal is a military award of the United States Armed Forces which was authorized by Congress and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on 8 November 1985. The United States Code citation for the POW Medal statute is 10 U.S.C. § 1128.

Do POWs get released after war?

During the conflict prisoners might be repatriated or delivered to a neutral nation for custody. At the end of hostilities all prisoners are to be released and repatriated without delay, except those held for trial or serving sentences imposed by judicial processes.

Can you refuse a Medal of Honor?

Strictly speaking, a person can refuse any award they are given. There is no legal obligation to accept one, and quite a few medals of different kinds have been rejected. For political and cultural reasons, refusing a MoH award is never done.

Who is eligible for the prisoner of War Medal?

The Prisoner of War Medal is authorized by Public Law 99-145, 10 USC 1128, as amended by, 10 USC 1128, 1989. It is authorized for any person who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Armed Forces, was taken prisoner and held captive after 5 April 1917.

Where is the coat of arms on a prisoner of War Medal?

The shield of the Coat of Arms of the United States is centered on the lower part of the reverse side with the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” around the bottom of the medal. The ribbon to the Prisoner of War Medal is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of a central band of black edged in white.

What is the US Code citation for the POW Medal?

The United States Code citation for the POW Medal statute is 10 U.S.C. § 1128 . The Prisoner of War Medal may be awarded to any person who was a prisoner of war after April 5, 1917 (the date of the United States ‘ entry into World War I was April 6). It is awarded to any person who was taken prisoner or held captive…

Can I get the POW Medal for the return of remains?

The POW Medal will only be awarded when the individuals prisoner of war status has been officially confirmed and recognized as such by the Department of the Army. Likewise, the return of remains, in and of itself, does not constitute evidence of confirmed prisoner of war status.

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