Unbalanced Scale Of Recognition For Former WWII POWs

Site Issues 2008 Archive Room
#1

Advised four years ago by two senior officers from the U.S. Army they do not award the Purple Heart for certain wounds (frostbite) received during captivity.

A Colonel, USAFR, Retired, former JAG officer, currently a civilian attorney provided 5-page legal opinion stating they are eligible.

The USAF has jurisdiction over former Army Air Force personnel since 1957. Following same guidelines they are approving requests for the medal to former POWs that experienced the identical wounds (including frostbite).

Recently submitted a request for the daughter of a deceased veteran that fought in the Battle of the Bulge, taken prisoner, and received wounds (frozen feet) during a number of forced marches late 1944, and early 1945. He was denied.

Robert

#2

well what was the extent of the frostbite? ifit was serious to lose a toe finger or limb then he should be awarded a purple heart, but if it was only a mild case causing only a slight discomfort then im sure that these pows didn’t suffer any more than the typical infantrymen in winter warfare

#3

>well what was the extent of the frostbite?

Regulation requires to be “severe frostbite.” The deceased veteran in question was forced to march for weeks during the “coldest winter” on record. Medical records identify “frozen feet.” After returning to the states, he was in a hospital over 2 months.

Regardless of severity, the Army refuses to approve requests for the Purple Heart for those that experienced frostbite during captivity.

As stated, the Air Force Board is approving requests by following the same guidelines to former POWs that contacted identical wounds .

Robert