Purple Heart For Those Who Died In Camp

On October 6, 2008, Department of Defense announced the approval of a Purple Heart for those who died while a POW since December 7, 1941. Family members with questions about this change in regulations may make contact with the respective branch of service. It is not known at this time if family members beyond mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers and children of the POW would be able to apply for this medal.

ARMY: Military Awards Branch, 703-325-8700
NAVY: Navy Personnel Command, Retired Records Section, 314-592-1150
AIR FORCE: Air Force Personnel Center, 800-616-3775
US MARINE CORPS: Military Awards Branch, 703-784-9340

Those who were killed in POW camp and who have been awarded a Purple Heart would not qualify for this additional award. Those wounded in camp and who were awarded a Purple Heart for that wound and who died of other causes later on in captivity should qualify for this additional award.