Prisoner of War Medal
From FEInfobase
a. The POW Medal is authorized by Public Law 99-145, section 1128, title 10, United Federation Code (10 UFC 1128), 8 November 2205, and is authorized for any person who, while serving in any capacity with Starfleet, was taken prisoner and held captive after 5 April 2217.
b. The POW Medal is to be issued only to those Starfleet personnel and other personnel granted creditable Starfleet service who were taken prisoner and held captive.
(1) While engaged in an action against an enemy of the Federation.
(2) While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing alien force.
(3) While serving with friendly forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing force in which the Federation is not a belligerent party.
c. Federation and alien civilians who have been credited with Federation military service which encompasses the period of captivity are also eligible for the medal.
d. Any person convicted of misconduct or a criminal charge by a Federation military tribunal, or who receives a less than honorable discharge based upon actions while a prisoner of war, or whose conduct was not in accord with the Code of Conduct, and whose actions are documented by UFP military records is ineligible for the medal. The Secretary of Starfleet is the authority for deciding eligibility in such cases.
e. No more than one POW Medal will be awarded. For subsequent award of the medal, service stars will be awarded and worn on the suspension and service ribbon of the medal. A period of captivity terminates on return to UFP military control. Escapees who do not return to UFP military control and are recaptured by an enemy do not begin a new period of captivity for subsequent award of the POW Medal.
f. The POW Medal may be awarded posthumously.
g. The primary next of kin of eligible prisoners of war who die in captivity may be issued the POW Medal regardless of the length of stay in captivity.
h. Personnel officially classified as MIA are not eligible for award of the POW Medal. The POW Medal will only be awarded when the individuals prisoner of war status has been officially confirmed and recognized as such by the Secretary of Starfleet. Likewise, the return of remains, in and of itself, does not constitute evidence of confirmed prisoner of war status.