POW Medal

The Prisoner of War Medal (POW Medal) is a United States military decoration awarded to individuals who have been prisoners of war while serving with the U.S. armed forces. **Authorization and Effective Date:** The POW Medal is authorized under 10 U.S.C. §1128, with its effective date established as April 6, 1917. The authority to award the medal lies with the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV). **Criteria and Eligibility:** To be eligible for the POW Medal, a service member must have been declared a prisoner of war while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Armed Forces. The following conditions apply: 1. The individual must have been held captive during an action against an enemy of the U.S. 2. The individual must have been a prisoner while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force. 3. The individual serving with friendly forces engaged against an opposing armed force in which the U.S. is not a belligerent party may also qualify. Additionally, the POW Medal may be awarded to anyone held captive under circumstances deemed comparable to typical POW conditions during armed conflict. It is important to note that individuals convicted by a U.S. military tribunal of misconduct or with less than honorable discharge are ineligible for this award. Conduct in captivity that does not align with the U.S. Code of Conduct can also lead to disqualification【4:0†source】. **Award Elements:** The POW Medal consists of both a full-size medal and a ribbon. Subsequent awards of the POW Medal are denoted by the wear of a 3/16-inch bronze star on the ribbon【4:4†source】【4:16†source】. **Notable Recipients:** The POW Medal has been awarded to numerous service members throughout history. While specific notable recipients may not always be highlighted in the context of official records, many service members from conflicts such as World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and operations in the Middle East have received this honor due to their experiences as POWs. The medal serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who endured captivity while serving their country. **Historical Context:** The POW Medal was established amid the increasing recognition of the sacrifices of those captured during wartime. Its creation acknowledged the unique suffering experienced by prisoners of war and aimed to provide a form of recognition for their service and resilience under duress. In summary, the Prisoner of War Medal represents a significant symbol of honor for members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have experienced captivity, reflecting both their service and the sacrifices made during their service under hostile conditions.