SettingsRecipients of the Prisoner of War Medal
Alva R. Fitch
Alva Revista Fitch (September 10, 1907–November 25, 1989) was a lieutenant general in the United States Army and was deputy director of Defense Intelligence Agency from 1946 to 1964.
Alva Revista Fitch (September 10, 1907–November 25, 1989) was a lieutenant general in the United States Army and was deputy director of Defense Intelligence Agency from 1946 to 1964.
Bowe Bergdahl
Bowe Robert Bergdahl is a United States Army soldier, who is currently in the captivity of the Taliban supporting Haqqani network, since June 2009.
Bowe Robert Bergdahl is a United States Army soldier, who is currently in the captivity of the Taliban supporting Haqqani network, since June 2009.
Bud Day
George Everette "Bud" Day (born February 24, 1925) is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and Command Pilot who served during the Vietnam War, to include five years and seven months as a Prisoner o...
George Everette "Bud" Day (born February 24, 1925) is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and Command Pilot who served during the Vietnam War, to include five years and seven months as a Prisoner o...
Charles J. Loring, Jr.
Charles Joseph Loring, Jr. was a fighter aircraft pilot in the United States Army Air Corps in World War II, and later in the United States Air Force in the Korean War.
Charles Joseph Loring, Jr. was a fighter aircraft pilot in the United States Army Air Corps in World War II, and later in the United States Air Force in the Korean War.
Charles, Count of Limburg Stirum
Charles Gaëtan Corneille Marie François-Xavier Ghislain, Count of Limburg Stirum, GCVO, GCSG (September 15, 1906–June 14, 1989), a Count of the Holy Roman Empire and Knight of the Golden F...
Charles Gaëtan Corneille Marie François-Xavier Ghislain, Count of Limburg Stirum, GCVO, GCSG (September 15, 1906–June 14, 1989), a Count of the Holy Roman Empire and Knight of the Golden F...
Count Charles of Limburg Stirum
Count Charles Gaëtan Corneille Marie François-Xavier Ghislain of Limburg Stirum, GCVO, GCSG, a Count of the Holy Roman Empire and Knight of the Golden Fleece, was a member of the House of Limbur...
Count Charles Gaëtan Corneille Marie François-Xavier Ghislain of Limburg Stirum, GCVO, GCSG, a Count of the Holy Roman Empire and Knight of the Golden Fleece, was a member of the House of Limbur...
D. C. Wimberly
Duvall Cortez Wimberly, Sr. (September 14, 1917 - January 27, 2007), was a United States Army soldier taken prisoner of war in the European theater of World War II and a past national commander ...
Duvall Cortez Wimberly, Sr. (September 14, 1917 - January 27, 2007), was a United States Army soldier taken prisoner of war in the European theater of World War II and a past national commander ...
Dean E. Hallmark
Dean Edward Hallmark was an avid athlete, adventure seeker and U.S. Army Air Forces pilot during World War II, most noted for having served alongside Jimmy Doolittle in 1942 during the famous ra...
Dean Edward Hallmark was an avid athlete, adventure seeker and U.S. Army Air Forces pilot during World War II, most noted for having served alongside Jimmy Doolittle in 1942 during the famous ra...
Dieter Dengler
Dieter Dengler (May 22, 1938 – February 7, 2001) was a United States Navy Naval aviator during the Vietnam War.
Dieter Dengler (May 22, 1938 – February 7, 2001) was a United States Navy Naval aviator during the Vietnam War.
Donald Walters
Donald Ralph Walters (September 16, 1969–March 23, 2003) was a United States Army Quartermaster Corps Sergeant, officially listed as killed in action in southern Iraqi city of Nasiriyah on...
Donald Ralph Walters (September 16, 1969–March 23, 2003) was a United States Army Quartermaster Corps Sergeant, officially listed as killed in action in southern Iraqi city of Nasiriyah on...
Emil Kapaun
Emil Joseph Kapaun (April 20, 1916 – May 23, 1951) was a Roman Catholic priest and United States Army chaplain who died in the Korean War.
Emil Joseph Kapaun (April 20, 1916 – May 23, 1951) was a Roman Catholic priest and United States Army chaplain who died in the Korean War.
Everett Alvarez, Jr.
Everett Alvarez Jr. (b. 1937, Salinas, California) was a Navy Commander who endured one of the longest periods as a prisoner of war (POW) in American history.
Everett Alvarez Jr. (b. 1937, Salinas, California) was a Navy Commander who endured one of the longest periods as a prisoner of war (POW) in American history.
Floyd James Thompson
Floyd James "Jim" Thompson (July 8, 1933 - July 16, 2002) was the longest held prisoner of war in United States history, spending nearly nine years in captivity in Vietnam.
Floyd James "Jim" Thompson (July 8, 1933 - July 16, 2002) was the longest held prisoner of war in United States history, spending nearly nine years in captivity in Vietnam.
Francis Gary Powers
Francis Gary Powers was an American pilot whose Central Intelligence Agency U-2 spy plane was shot down while flying a reconnaissance mission over Soviet Union airspace, causing the 1960 U-2 inc...
Francis Gary Powers was an American pilot whose Central Intelligence Agency U-2 spy plane was shot down while flying a reconnaissance mission over Soviet Union airspace, causing the 1960 U-2 inc...
Frank Kendall Everest, Jr.
Brigadier General Frank Kendall "Pete" Everest Jr. (August 9, 1920 – October 1, 2004) was a U.S. Air Force officer who is best remembered as an aeroengineer and test pilot during the 1950s.
Brigadier General Frank Kendall "Pete" Everest Jr. (August 9, 1920 – October 1, 2004) was a U.S. Air Force officer who is best remembered as an aeroengineer and test pilot during the 1950s.
Gabby Gabreski
Francis Stanley "Gabby" Gabreski was the top Polish American fighter ace in Europe during World War II, a jet fighter ace in Korea, and a career officer in the United States Air Force with more ...
Francis Stanley "Gabby" Gabreski was the top Polish American fighter ace in Europe during World War II, a jet fighter ace in Korea, and a career officer in the United States Air Force with more ...
George R. Klare
George R. Klare was a World War II veteran and a distinguished professor of psychology and dean at Ohio University.
George R. Klare was a World War II veteran and a distinguished professor of psychology and dean at Ohio University.
George Thomas Coker
George Thomas Coker (born July 14, 1943) is a retired US Navy commander, honored with the Navy Cross for his leadership as a prisoner of war (POW) during the Vietnam War, and a Distinguished Eag...
George Thomas Coker (born July 14, 1943) is a retired US Navy commander, honored with the Navy Cross for his leadership as a prisoner of war (POW) during the Vietnam War, and a Distinguished Eag...
Guy Gruters
Guy Dennis Gruters was a United States Air Force officer and fighter pilot best known for his five year survival as a prisoner of war in the Hanoi Hilton.
Guy Dennis Gruters was a United States Air Force officer and fighter pilot best known for his five year survival as a prisoner of war in the Hanoi Hilton.
Hans Baruch
Hans Baruch is an American physiologist/inventor who is noted mainly for his contributions to scientific apparatus and instruments in the field of automated clinical chemistry.
Hans Baruch is an American physiologist/inventor who is noted mainly for his contributions to scientific apparatus and instruments in the field of automated clinical chemistry.
Herbert D. Smith
Herbert Dwight Smith (February 10, 1926 – July 1, 2011) was an attorney in Alva, Oklahoma for over fifty years.
Herbert Dwight Smith (February 10, 1926 – July 1, 2011) was an attorney in Alva, Oklahoma for over fifty years.
Hiroshi H. Miyamura
Hiroshi H. "Hershey" Miyamura is a former United States Army soldier and a recipient of the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in the Korean War.
Hiroshi H. "Hershey" Miyamura is a former United States Army soldier and a recipient of the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in the Korean War.
Hubert Zemke
Colonel Hubert A. "Hub" Zemke (March 14, 1914 – August 30, 1994) was a career officer in the United States Air Force, a fighter pilot in World War II, and a leading USAAF ace.
Colonel Hubert A. "Hub" Zemke (March 14, 1914 – August 30, 1994) was a career officer in the United States Air Force, a fighter pilot in World War II, and a leading USAAF ace.
Humbert Roque Versace
Captain Humbert Roque "Rocky" Versace (July 2, 1937–September 26, 1965) was a United States Army officer of Puerto Rican-Italian descent who was awarded the United States' highest military...
Captain Humbert Roque "Rocky" Versace (July 2, 1937–September 26, 1965) was a United States Army officer of Puerto Rican-Italian descent who was awarded the United States' highest military...
James Edwin Ray
James Edwin Ray (born August 25, 1941) was a United States Air Force officer and fighter pilot.
James Edwin Ray (born August 25, 1941) was a United States Air Force officer and fighter pilot.
James H. Kasler
Colonel James H. Kasler is to date the only person to be awarded the Air Force Cross three times.
Colonel James H. Kasler is to date the only person to be awarded the Air Force Cross three times.
James Robinson Risner
James Robinson "Robbie" Risner (born January 16, 1925) was a general officer and professional fighter pilot in the United States Air Force.
James Robinson "Robbie" Risner (born January 16, 1925) was a general officer and professional fighter pilot in the United States Air Force.
James Stockdale
Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale was one of the most highly decorated officers in the history of the United States Navy.
Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale was one of the most highly decorated officers in the history of the United States Navy.
Jeremiah Denton
Jeremiah Andrew Denton Jr. is a retired United States Navy Rear Admiral and a former United States Senator for the state of Alabama.
Jeremiah Andrew Denton Jr. is a retired United States Navy Rear Admiral and a former United States Senator for the state of Alabama.
Jessica Lynch (Prisoner of War)
Jessica Dawn Lynch is a former Private First Class in the United States Army Quartermaster Corps.
Jessica Dawn Lynch is a former Private First Class in the United States Army Quartermaster Corps.
John C. Morgan
John Cary "Red" Morgan (August 24, 1914–January 17, 1991) was a United States Army Air Forces pilot in World War II who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during a 1943 bombing run over...
John Cary "Red" Morgan (August 24, 1914–January 17, 1991) was a United States Army Air Forces pilot in World War II who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during a 1943 bombing run over...
John Heaphy Fellowes
John Heaphy "Jack" Fellowes (November 22, 1932 – May 3, 2010) was a U.S. Navy captain, pilot, and prisoner of war (POW) during the Vietnam War.
John Heaphy "Jack" Fellowes (November 22, 1932 – May 3, 2010) was a U.S. Navy captain, pilot, and prisoner of war (POW) during the Vietnam War.
John K. Waters
John Knight Waters (December 20, 1906 – January 9, 1989) was a United States Army four star general who served as commander, U.S. Army, Pacific from 1964 to 1966.
John Knight Waters (December 20, 1906 – January 9, 1989) was a United States Army four star general who served as commander, U.S. Army, Pacific from 1964 to 1966.
John McCain
John Sidney McCain III (born August 29, 1936) is the senior United States Senator from Arizona.
John Sidney McCain III (born August 29, 1936) is the senior United States Senator from Arizona.
Jon R. Cavaiani
Jon Robert Cavaiani is a retired United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War.
Jon Robert Cavaiani is a retired United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War.
Jose Calugas
Jose Calugas was a member of the Philippine Scouts during World War II. He received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Battle of Bataan.
Jose Calugas was a member of the Philippine Scouts during World War II. He received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Battle of Bataan.
Joseph Beyrle
Joseph R. Beyrle is thought to be the only American soldier to have served with both the United States Army and the Soviet Army in World War II. Born in Muskegon, Michigan, Beyrle graduated fro...
Joseph R. Beyrle is thought to be the only American soldier to have served with both the United States Army and the Soviet Army in World War II. Born in Muskegon, Michigan, Beyrle graduated fro...
Joseph Kittinger
Joseph William Kittinger II is a former Command Pilot and career military officer in the United States Air Force.
Joseph William Kittinger II is a former Command Pilot and career military officer in the United States Air Force.
Kristian Menchaca
Kristian Menchaca, was a United States Army soldier from Brownsville, Texas, who was tortured, killed, and mutilated by members of al-Qaeda in Iraq.
Kristian Menchaca, was a United States Army soldier from Brownsville, Texas, who was tortured, killed, and mutilated by members of al-Qaeda in Iraq.
Lawrence Jenkins
Lawrence L. "Larry" Jenkins (born January 29, 1924) is a former B-17 co-pilot during World War II who spent over ten months as a prisoner of war.
Lawrence L. "Larry" Jenkins (born January 29, 1924) is a former B-17 co-pilot during World War II who spent over ten months as a prisoner of war.
Leo K. Thorsness
Leo Keith Thorsness is a retired colonel in the United States Air Force who received the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Vietnam War.
Leo Keith Thorsness is a retired colonel in the United States Air Force who received the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Vietnam War.
Leroy W. Stutz
Colonel Leroy W. Stutz (born November 13, 1939) was a U.S. Air Force officer, pilot and prisoner of war for 2,284 days during the Vietnam War.
Colonel Leroy W. Stutz (born November 13, 1939) was a U.S. Air Force officer, pilot and prisoner of war for 2,284 days during the Vietnam War.
Lloyd M. Bucher
Commander Lloyd Mark "Pete" Bucher (1 September 1927 – 28 January 2004) was an officer in the United States Navy, who is best remembered as the Captain of the USS Pueblo (AGER-2), which was ...
Commander Lloyd Mark "Pete" Bucher (1 September 1927 – 28 January 2004) was an officer in the United States Navy, who is best remembered as the Captain of the USS Pueblo (AGER-2), which was ...
Lori Piestewa
SPC Lori Ann Piestewa ( ; December 14, 1979 – March 23, 2003) was a U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps soldier killed during the same Iraqi Army attack in which fellow soldiers Shoshana Johnson...
SPC Lori Ann Piestewa ( ; December 14, 1979 – March 23, 2003) was a U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps soldier killed during the same Iraqi Army attack in which fellow soldiers Shoshana Johnson...
Louis Zamperini
Louis Silvie Zamperini is a World War II prisoner of war survivor, inspirational speaker, and former American Olympic distance runner.
Louis Silvie Zamperini is a World War II prisoner of war survivor, inspirational speaker, and former American Olympic distance runner.
Matt Maupin
Keith Matthew "Matt" Maupin was a United States Army Private First Class captured by Iraqi insurgents on April 9, 2004, while serving in the Iraq War, after his convoy came under attack by rocke...
Keith Matthew "Matt" Maupin was a United States Army Private First Class captured by Iraqi insurgents on April 9, 2004, while serving in the Iraq War, after his convoy came under attack by rocke...
Michael Durant
Michael J. "Mike" Durant is an American pilot and author who was held prisoner for eleven days in 1993 after a raid in Mogadishu, Somalia.
Michael J. "Mike" Durant is an American pilot and author who was held prisoner for eleven days in 1993 after a raid in Mogadishu, Somalia.
Norman C. Gaddis
Norman Gaddis, along with John McCain, were the two senior United States prisoners of war during the Vietnam War.
Norman Gaddis, along with John McCain, were the two senior United States prisoners of war during the Vietnam War.
Owen J. Baggett
Owen John Baggett was a second lieutenant in the United States 7th Bomb Group based at Pandaveswar, in India, during the Second World War.
Owen John Baggett was a second lieutenant in the United States 7th Bomb Group based at Pandaveswar, in India, during the Second World War.
Pappy Boyington
Gregory "Pappy" Boyington was a United States Marine Corps officer who was an American fighter ace during World War II. For his heroic actions, he was awarded both the Medal of Honor and the Nav...
Gregory "Pappy" Boyington was a United States Marine Corps officer who was an American fighter ace during World War II. For his heroic actions, he was awarded both the Medal of Honor and the Nav...
Patrick Miller (soldier)
Patrick Miller (Born January 15, 1980) was a Private First Class during the 2003 invasion of Iraq with the US Army's 507th Maintenance Company, serving as a mechanic, becoming a POW. For his ac...
Patrick Miller (Born January 15, 1980) was a Private First Class during the 2003 invasion of Iraq with the US Army's 507th Maintenance Company, serving as a mechanic, becoming a POW. For his ac...
Paul W. Airey
Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Paul Wesley Airey (December 13, 1923 – March 11, 2009) was adviser to Secretary of the Air Force Harold Brown and Air Force Chief of Staff General John P. ...
Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Paul Wesley Airey (December 13, 1923 – March 11, 2009) was adviser to Secretary of the Air Force Harold Brown and Air Force Chief of Staff General John P. ...
Pete Peterson
Douglas Brian "Pete" Peterson was a U.S. Air Force pilot who spent over six years as a prisoner of the North Vietnamese Army after his plane was shot down during the Vietnam War.
Douglas Brian "Pete" Peterson was a U.S. Air Force pilot who spent over six years as a prisoner of the North Vietnamese Army after his plane was shot down during the Vietnam War.
Rhonda Cornum
U.S. Army Brigadier General Rhonda Cornum, Ph.D., M.D. is the Director of Comprehensive Soldier Fitness in the Army G-3/5/7.
U.S. Army Brigadier General Rhonda Cornum, Ph.D., M.D. is the Director of Comprehensive Soldier Fitness in the Army G-3/5/7.
Richard A. Stratton
Lieutenant Commander Richard Allen "Dick" Stratton (born October 14, 1931) was a United States Navy pilot who was shot down over North Vietnam in January 1967 and detained as a prisoner of war.
Lieutenant Commander Richard Allen "Dick" Stratton (born October 14, 1931) was a United States Navy pilot who was shot down over North Vietnam in January 1967 and detained as a prisoner of war.
Richard G. Desautels
Sergeant Richard G. Desautels was a United States Army corporal who was captured on December 1, 1950 at Sonchu by communist forces and not returned by North Korea at the end of the fighting of ...
Sergeant Richard G. Desautels was a United States Army corporal who was captured on December 1, 1950 at Sonchu by communist forces and not returned by North Korea at the end of the fighting of ...
Robert M. Polich, Sr.
Robert M. Polich is a former United States Army Air Corp pilot and a recipient of the United States military's decoration—the Distinguished Flying Cross—for his actions in World War II.
Robert M. Polich is a former United States Army Air Corp pilot and a recipient of the United States military's decoration—the Distinguished Flying Cross—for his actions in World War II.
Ruby Bradley
Colonel Ruby Bradley (December 19, 1907 – May 28, 2002) was one of the most decorated women in United States military history.
Colonel Ruby Bradley (December 19, 1907 – May 28, 2002) was one of the most decorated women in United States military history.
Sam Johnson
Samuel Robert "Sam" Johnson is an American politician and a retired career U.S. Air Force officer and fighter pilot.
Samuel Robert "Sam" Johnson is an American politician and a retired career U.S. Air Force officer and fighter pilot.
Samuel Nathan Blatchford
Samuel Nathan Blatchford was an American soldier and civil engineer.
Samuel Nathan Blatchford was an American soldier and civil engineer.
Shoshana Johnson
Shoshana Nyree Johnson is a Panamanian-born former United States soldier, and was the first black female prisoner of war in the military history of the United States.
Shoshana Nyree Johnson is a Panamanian-born former United States soldier, and was the first black female prisoner of war in the military history of the United States.
Thomas J. H. Trapnell
Thomas John Hall "Trap" Trapnell (November 23, 1902 - February 13, 2002) was a United States Army general.
Thomas John Hall "Trap" Trapnell (November 23, 1902 - February 13, 2002) was a United States Army general.
Vermont Garrison
Vermont Garrison (October 29, 1915 — February 14, 1994) was a career officer in the United States Air Force, and an ace with 17.33 credited victories in aerial combat.
Vermont Garrison (October 29, 1915 — February 14, 1994) was a career officer in the United States Air Force, and an ace with 17.33 credited victories in aerial combat.
Wally Kinnan
Henry Wallace "Wally" Kinnan who was a decorated World War II hero, also was one of the first well known U.S. pioneer television broadcast meteorologists.
Henry Wallace "Wally" Kinnan who was a decorated World War II hero, also was one of the first well known U.S. pioneer television broadcast meteorologists.
William F. Dean
William Frishe Dean, Sr. (August 1, 1899 – August 24, 1981) was a major general in the United States Army during World War II and the Korean War.
William Frishe Dean, Sr. (August 1, 1899 – August 24, 1981) was a major general in the United States Army during World War II and the Korean War.
William G. Bainbridge
William G. Bainbridge was the fifth Sergeant Major of the Army, was sworn in on July 1, 1975 and served until June, 1979.
William G. Bainbridge was the fifth Sergeant Major of the Army, was sworn in on July 1, 1975 and served until June, 1979.
William N. Rhodes
William N. Rhodes was an American airforce Technical Sergeant in World War II. On March 31, 1945, TSgt.
William N. Rhodes was an American airforce Technical Sergeant in World War II. On March 31, 1945, TSgt.
William P. Lawrence
William Porter Lawrence, United States Navy, was a decorated Naval Aviator who served as Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy from 1978-1981.
William Porter Lawrence, United States Navy, was a decorated Naval Aviator who served as Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy from 1978-1981.
William R. Higgins
William Richard "Rich" Higgins (January 15, 1945 – July 6, 1990) was a United States Marine Corps colonel who was captured in 1988 while serving on a United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missi...
William Richard "Rich" Higgins (January 15, 1945 – July 6, 1990) was a United States Marine Corps colonel who was captured in 1988 while serving on a United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missi...
Winfield S. Cunningham
Winfield Scott Cunningham (February 16, 1900 – March 3, 1986) was the Officer in Charge, Naval Activities, Wake Island when the tiny island was attacked by the Japanese on December 8, 1941.
Winfield Scott Cunningham (February 16, 1900 – March 3, 1986) was the Officer in Charge, Naval Activities, Wake Island when the tiny island was attacked by the Japanese on December 8, 1941.