Do MIA persons receive Purple Heart awards?

Jerry Michaud — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 16:09:21 -0400

Are service persons who are listed as "missing in action" presumed killed in action and thus eligible for the Purple Heart?

Response by CWO3 Dennis M. made Mar 20 at 2018 4:35 PM

CWO3 Dennis M. — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 16:35:32 -0400

With only the info you provided, I would think missing in action and presumed Killed in action would earn the Purple heart!

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2018 6:31 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 18:31:44 -0400

I would have to presume they would meet the eligibility criteria. "Being wounded or killed in any action against an enemy of the United States or as a result of an act of any such enemy or opposing armed forces"

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2018 9:23 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 21:23:37 -0400

Good question. It’s ultimately up to the commanders definition of MIA for wounded or killed in action. I would say nothing until it is confirmed or a certain amount of time has elapsed, but I also don’t approve awards.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2018 4:39 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Mar 2018 04:39:11 -0400

I don't think MIA automatically assumes KIA. That would be the problem with making a purple heart award. Consider the example of a Soldier that went missing during Vietnam. Was he shot, or did he succumb to the many natural predators (like a snake) and did not return.

I would assume that if the Soldier came missing after contact with the enemy, the case could be better made that he was KIA as well as MIA, and is deserving the Purple Heart. Interesting question

Response by CPT Jim Schwebach made Mar 21 at 2018 10:38 AM

CPT Jim Schwebach — Wed, 21 Mar 2018 10:38:05 -0400

The word "presumed" is probably key in this situation. The fact that the SM is missing means that final status (dead or alive) cannot be determined. It follows then that the cause of death is also indeterminate. Without a cause of death caused by enemy action the criteria for the Purple Heart are not met.

Response by 1stSgt Mack Housman made Mar 21 at 2018 11:34 AM

1stSgt Mack Housman — Wed, 21 Mar 2018 11:34:23 -0400

Negative. An MIA that hasn't been moved to a KIA status would have to meet all required criteria for award of the decoration.

Response by SSG Harry Herres made Apr 1 at 2018 11:34 PM

SSG Harry Herres — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 23:34:33 -0400

Enough is enough. If you spent your time in hell, those that really have the holes for a purple heart should get it. I have seen too many get it for their records. If you have the hole thank you. others go to hell, been there done that

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Apr 26 at 2018 11:43 PM

SGT Christopher Hayden — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 23:43:22 -0400

You can be MIA for a number of reasons beyond just being captured or killed by the enemy. There were plenty of helicopter/plane crashes from WW2 through Vietnam that happened due to mechanical error or pilot error. Under those circumstances, I don't see how they could be awarded a Purple Heart, as they weren't killed by any kind of enemy fire/accidental friendly fire. And if the person is just MIA, how could you ever truly know until you find their remains?