History

The Prisoner of War Medal was established by President Ronald Reagan by Public Law on November 8, 1985. The Medal is presented to any person who served with the United States Armed Forces who was taken prisoner by an armed enemy of the State since April 5, 1917, and who served honourably while in captivity. Persons who were taken hostage while serving with a friendly force engaged in armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a hostile party, and, since 2013, persons who endured circumstances in captivity that were comparable to captivity by enemy armed forces during periods of conflict, are also eligible to receive the award. However, hostages of terrorists and of governments with which the United States is not actively engaged in armed conflict with are not eligible for the award.

The Medal may also be awarded posthumously and service stars are available for wear on the ribbon to denote subsequent awards.

It is uncertain if the reverse was officially engraved with the recipient's details.

There is limited information regarding this item.