Code of Conduct for Members of the United States Armed Forces

Executive Order 10631 (17 August 1955)

I.         I am an American fighting man. I serve in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.

II.       I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender my men while they still have the means to resist.

III.     If I am captured I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.

IV.       If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information or take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.

V.         When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am bound to give only name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause.

VI.       I will never forget that I am an American fighting man, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.

Code of Conduct

Executive Order 12017 (amended 1977); AR 350-30)

I.         I am an American. I serve in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.

II.       I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist.

III.     If I am captured, I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.

IV.       If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information nor take part in any actions that might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.

V.         When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give only name, rank, social security number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause.

VI.       I will never forget that I am an American, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles that made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.