DEATHS, CASUALTIES & PRISONERS OF WAR:
AMERICAN PRISONERS OF WAR

PRISONER OF WAR MEDAL
This was issued to those US military personnel taken prisoner and held captive from April 1917 while engaged in an action against an enemy of the US, in operational conflict with an opposing force, or serving with friendly forces in armed conflict. Civilians credited with military service which included the period of captivity are also eligible for the medal. Hostages of terrorists and persons detained by governments with which the US is not engaged actively in armed conflict are not eligible for the medal.