There is created the South Carolina Prisoner of War 'POW' Medal. The Governor may present the medal on behalf of the people of the State of South Carolina to any person who: (1) on the date of induction into the organized militia or federal military service, was a resident of this State and who, while serving in the organized militia or in federal military service on active duty in a combat theater of operation during a time of war or emergency, was officially listed as a prisoner of war by the United States Department of Defense; (2) on the date of induction into the organized militia or federal military service, was not a resident of this State but currently resides in this State or was a resident at the time of death and who, while serving in the organized militia or in federal military service on active duty in a combat theater of operation during time of war or emergency, was officially listed as a prisoner of war by the United States Department of Defense; or (3) meets the residency requirements of item (1) or (2), and was taken prisoner and held captive while: (a) engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; (b) engaged in military operations involving residency requirements of item (1) or (2), and was taken prisoner and held captive while: (a) engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; (b) engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or (c) serving with friendly forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. HISTORY: 2014 Act No. 233 (S.1173), Section 1, eff June 2, 2014; 2019 Act No. 26 (H.3438), Section 3, eff July 1, 2019.
South Carolina Legal Code