Prisoner of War (POW) Medal

Authorized by Congress, and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1986. Awarded to any member of the United States Armed Forces who was a prisoner of war after April 5, 1917 (the date of America's entry into World War I), and to any person who was taken prisoner or held captive while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States, or while serving with friendly forces engaged in armed conflict. The recipient's conduct, while in captivity, must have been honorable. The medal can be received posthumously by the next of kin of the recipient.