Can a POW win a decoration for deeds done while a prisoner

Moose · Flight Lieutenant

Can a POW win a decoration for deeds done while a prisoner

Coffey · Squadron Leader

Another good question! Were any of the aircrew involved in the "Great Escape" decorated? Certainly should have been! Again, interested to see what comes up.

John W · Group Captain

Hi Coffey,

I know the Aussies who were murdered were given MIDs.

John.

Moose · Flight Lieutenant

Well since I started this I might as well ask another one.

Can a DFC or DFM be given for the action posthumously. That is they were killed at the time. Not later. I have seen some recipients had been killed in later actions before being actually presented with the gong.

-- Edited by Moose on Sunday 12th of February 2017 09:24:51 PM

alieneyes · Group Captain

The AFC and DFM are flying medals so, no, a POW wouldn't be entitled to one for POW activities.

I've seen a few airmen awarded the Military Cross for POW activities.

Moose · Flight Lieutenant

When researching Andrew Mynarski's VC the observation made by another researcher was that had he lived he could have been presented with the DSO, but since he died only the VC and MiD was open to him. Most descriptions for the decorations do not mention if they can be awarded postumiously.

Moose · Flight Lieutenant

thanks for the answer on the AFC and DFM