[visualops]

Social Security number? Surely the "serial number" isn't one's Social Security number?
On another note, if medals are for various forms of exceptional valor, sacrifice etc, given for actions on the battlefield, then perhaps they should create a seperate medal for being a POW. Then, if someone's behavior in captivity was questionable, then they could just withhold the medal. I can't see disciplining or court-martial for cracking under the duress of threats or torture in a POW situation. Now, if one started giving away the farm or collaborating that'd be a different story.

[jaykay]

There is a "POW Medal" already isn't there?

[archy]

Social Security number? Surely the "serial number" isn't one's Social Security number?

It sure is, usually abbreviated *SSAN*. Since around 1970.

[Prodigal Son]

Surely the "serial number" isn't one's Social Security number?

Yep, it sure is. The Army did away with the service number a while back. They realized that everyone had a SSN anyway that was unique so it made just as much sense to use that.

[milbuf]

1. Since the late 1960's the social security number has also been the service number. I went from enlisted USXXXXXXX to officer O52xxxxxx to my ssn. That is the standard today.

The Washington Post and other press pushed the "Hero" status of Lynch and the other PO W's from her unit. It was not the military. If you check back the Military downplayed the whole thing but the Wash Post was the main hero advocate because it sold papers.