1. Description: On a bronze medal, 1 3/8 inches in diameter,
an eagle with wings opened surrounded by a circle of barbed wire and bayonet points. The
reverse has the inscription "AWARDED TO" around the top and "FOR HONORABLE
SERVICE WHILE A PRISONER OF WAR" across the center in three lines with a space
between the two inscriptions for engraving the name of the recipient. 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.
2. Ribbon: The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of
the following stripes: 1/16 inch Old Glory Red 67156; 3/32 inch White 67101; 1/16 inch Old
Glory Blue 67178; 1/8 inch White; center 11/16 inch Black 67138; 1/8 inch White; 1/16 inch
Old Glory Blue; 3/32 inch White; and 1/16 inch Old Glory Red.
3. Criteria: a. The Prisoner of War Medal is issued only to
those U.S. military personnel who were taken prisoner and held captive after 5 April 1917;
(1) While engaged in an
action against an enemy of the United States;
(2) While engaged in
military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
(3) While serving with
friendly forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing force in which the United
States is not a belligerent party.
b. Civilians who have been credited with military
service which included the period of captivity are also eligible for the medal.
c. Hostages of terrorists and persons detained by
governments with which the United States is not engaged actively in armed conflict are not
eligible for the medal.
4. Components: The following are components of the Prisoner of War
Medal:
a. Medal (regular size): MIL-M-3946/53. NSN
8455-01-251-2096 for set which includes regular size medal and ribbon bar.
b. Medal (miniature size): MIL-DTL-3943/241.
Available commercially.
c. Ribbon: MIL-DTL-11589/319. Available
commercially.
d. Lapel Button: MIL-DTL-11484/152. Available
commercially.
5. Background: a. Public Law 99-145, Department of Defense
Authorization Act, dated 8 November 1985, amended Chapter 57 of Title 10, USC, 1128, to
require under certain circumstances the issuance of a Prisoner of War Medal to any person
who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, was taken
prisoner and held captive after 5 April 1917.
b. As a result of the above law, DOD solicited
designs from all sources, and on 29 November 1985, designated The Institute of Heraldry
(TIOH) as the Executive Agency for designing and procuring the medal. Over 300 designs
were received and referred to a committee, comprised of representatives of the Armed
Services, for advising the Secretary of Defense on a selection.
c. The design selected was created by Mr. Jay C.
Morris of The Institute of Heraldry. The symbolism of the design is as follows: The eagle,
a symbol of the United States and the American spirit, though surrounded by barbed wire
and bayonet points, stands with pride and dignity, continually on the alert for the
opportunity to seize hold of beloved freedom, thus symbolizing the hope that upholds the
spirit of the prisoner of war. The ribbon colors red, white, and blue are symbolic of our
National colors while determination to survive in or to escape from a hostile environment.
d. Order of precedence and wear policy for medals
awarded to Army personnel is contained in AR 670-1. Policy for awards, approving authority
and supply of medals is contained in AR 600-8-22.
