DoD Revises Purple Heart Eligibility Criteria to Allow Award to POWs Who Die in Capti

[HARDCORE]

After all the hard work on our part with your help, the work has finally paid off!

Rick & Brenda Tavares.

__________________________________________________ _______
U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Release



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IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 845-08
October 06, 2008
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DoD Revises Purple Heart Eligibility Criteria to Allow Award to POWs Who Die in Captivity



The Department of Defense announced today it has expanded the Purple Heart eligibility criteria allowing prisoners-of-war who died in captivity to receive the award.



The revised department policy presumes, for service members who die in captivity as a qualifying prisoner-of-war, that their death was the "result of enemy action," or the result of wounds incurred “in action with the enemy” during capture, or as a result of wounds incurred as a “result of enemy action” during capture, unless compelling evidence is presented to the contrary.



The revised policy allows retroactive award of the Purple Heart to qualifying prisoners-of-war since Dec. 7, 1941. Posthumous award will be made to the deceased service member’s representative, as designated by the secretary of the military department concerned, upon application to that military department.



Each military department will publish application procedures and ensure they are accessible by the general public. Family members with questions may contact the services: 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; Marine Corps: Military Awards Branch, (703) 784-9340. For further information, media representatives should contact Eileen Lainez, (703) 695-3895, eileen.lainez@osd.mil.

[reconeil]

FINALLY & Amen,...since politics & politicians not noted for quickness even for heroes.

Regardless, my Salute & Gratitude for Your & Brenda's efforts on behalf of The Fallen.

Neil