To be entitled to POW status, captured persons must be lawful combatants entitled to combatant's privilege—which provides immunity from punishment for lawful acts of war, such …

Dec 17, 2025 · prisoner of war (POW), any person captured or interned by a belligerent power during war. In the strictest sense it is applied only to members of regularly organized armed …

While their imprisonment may have meant an end to combat, for prisoners of war (POWs) held during World War II and the Korean and Vietnam Wars, incarceration marked the beginning of …

Oct 25, 2022 · Life as a POW meant many forced marches in subfreezing weather, solitary confinement, brutal punishments and attempts at political "re-education." Here prisoners …

POWs were a major focus of the war crimes trials in the Pacific. Former POWs like Sgt. Peter Dzimba were called on to speak for those who could no longer speak for themselves. More …

Aug 10, 2025 · A prisoner of war (POW) is an individual held captive by a belligerent power during or immediately following an armed conflict. This status is rooted in international law, which …

Prisoners of war (POW) are individuals captured during armed conflict who are entitled to specific rights and protections under international law, primarily defined by the Geneva Conventions.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day was established by Congress to honor those armed service members held captive, who returned or who remain missing, while fighting in the nation's …

May 23, 2024 · What is a POW? A POW or Prisoner of War is an enemy combatant captured and held during wartime. Very specific rules govern who exactly is defined as a POW, and how …

Dec 16, 2025 · The meaning of PRISONER OF WAR is a person captured in war; especially : a member of the armed forces of a nation who is taken by the enemy during combat.