Ref: SECNAVINST 1650.1H Page 2-27
9. Purple Heart
b. (8) As the result of maltreatment inflicted by their captors while a prisoner of war.

Seems there are a number of veterans/next of kins confused with current guidelines authorizing the Purple Heart to WWII/Korean casualties while held captive.

According to guidelines during that era, AR 600-45, dated 1943, 1944, 1950, and Public Law 104 - 106, dated February 10, 1996 all former POWs wounded or killed by the enemy while in captivity are eligible for being awarded the medal.

Furthermore, Executive Order 9277, dated December 1942 required uniform application.

Currently, the AF is approving requests for the Purple Heart to former Army Air Force POWs wounded (including frostbite) while in captivity.

I provided a 5-page letter of legal opinion written by Colonel Jarvi, USAFR, former JAG officer, currently a civilian attorney to members of Congress, and a number of people involved to no avail. Jarvi states, "any mistreatment of a prisoner of war is treated as hostile act of enemy."

During WWII there were approximatly 64 Navy airmen classified as internees held in the Soviet Union.

Question: If they were forced to travel by foot and wounded (contacted severe frostbite) while in captivity are they entitled to be awarded the Purple Heart?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Robersabel,