Posted on Mar 20, 2018
Jerry Michaud
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Are service persons who are listed as "missing in action" presumed killed in action and thus eligible for the Purple Heart?
Posted in these groups: Us medals AwardsPurple heart logo Purple HeartPow logo POW/MIA
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Responses: 8
COL Deputy G2
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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"
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CWO3 Dennis M.
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Edited >1 y ago
With only the info you provided, I would think missing in action and presumed Killed in action would earn the Purple heart!
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SGT Christopher Hayden
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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?
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