Prisoner of War Medal

Prisoner of War Medal. This United States Armed Forces decoration is awarded to any person who was taken prisoner and held captive while serving under the authority of the United States government. Established by an act of Congress, it recognizes the extreme hardships and sacrifices endured by American military personnel during periods of captivity, regardless of the conflict. The medal serves as a solemn tribute to those who endured imprisonment by enemy forces, with eligibility retroactive to the nation's entry into World War I.

History and establishment

The movement to create a specific award for former prisoners of war gained significant momentum following the Vietnam War, as the experiences of repatriated personnel from conflicts like the Korean War and Southeast Asia received greater public recognition. Advocacy by veterans' organizations, including the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, was instrumental in pushing for legislative action. The medal was officially established by Public Law 99-145, signed by President Ronald Reagan on November 8, 1985. The authorization made the award retroactive to April 5, 1917, the date the United States entered World War I, thereby encompassing personnel from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and subsequent operations like the Gulf War and Global War on Terrorism.

Criteria for award

The primary criterion for the award is having been taken prisoner and held captive during an armed conflict against an enemy of the United States. Eligibility extends to all members of the United States Armed Forces, including the United States Army, United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, United States Air Force, and United States Space Force, as well as other personnel serving under the authority of the United States government, such as certain civilian employees. The captive's conduct while in prison must not have discredited the military service, and the award is granted without regard to the length of captivity. It is also awarded posthumously to the next of kin of personnel who died in captivity.

Appearance and symbolism

The medal's design, created by the Institute of Heraldry, is rich with symbolic imagery representing the ordeal of captivity. The central motif is an American eagle, its wings partially restrained by barbed wire and a stockade fence, symbolizing the prisoner's confinement and resilience. The reverse bears the inscription: "AWARDED TO" and "FOR HONORABLE SERVICE WHILE A PRISONER OF WAR," encircling a space for the recipient's name. The ribbon features a central stripe of Old Glory Blue, flanked by thin white stripes, broader black bands, and outer edges of red, white, and blue, collectively evoking the national colors and the darkness of imprisonment.

Notable recipients

Recipients include many high-profile military officers and personnel known for their endurance under brutal conditions. Notable individuals from World War II include then-Lieutenant George H. W. Bush, whose TBM Avenger was shot down over the Pacific Ocean, though his brief captivity by a Japanese submarine is a unique case. From the Korean War, recipients include Major General William F. Dean, who was awarded the Medal of Honor and endured years of captivity. Vietnam War recipients are numerous, including Senator John McCain, who survived over five years in the infamous Hanoi Hilton, and Vice Admiral James Stockdale, a Medal of Honor recipient and senior officer at the same prison. More recent recipients include personnel captured during operations in Bosnia, Kosovo, and Iraq.

Order of precedence and wearing

Within the hierarchy of United States military awards, the Prisoner of War Medal holds a unique and respected position. It is worn after the Purple Heart and before the Good Conduct Medal on a service member's uniform. For those who have received the medal for service in multiple conflicts, only one medal is worn, with service stars authorized on the ribbon to denote subsequent awards. Its placement signifies that the award is for a specific condition of service—surviving captivity—rather than for a singular act of heroism or achievement, placing it among the most personally significant decorations a service member can receive.

Category:Military awards and decorations of the United States Category:American prisoners of war