The Prisoner of War Medal is a Bronze medal of 1 3/8 inches in diameter. On the medal face, an American Bald Eagle with its wings outstretched is circled by barbed wire and bayonet points. “AWARDED TO” is inscribed around the top of the reverse side and "FOR HONORABLE SERVICE WHILE A PRISONER OF WAR" is inscribed in three lines with room for engraving the name of the recipient between the two inscriptions. Centered on the bottom is the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" with the shield of the Coat of Arms of the United Stated centered above it.