Code of Conduct
of the
United States of America

 

ARTICLE I:

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

ARTICLE 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.

ARTICLE III:

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

ARTICLE 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 action which might be harmfull to my comrades. If I
am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey lawful orders of those appointed
over me and will back them in every way.

ARTICLE V:

When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give 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 or its allies or harmful to their cause.

ARTICLE VI:

I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, 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.