Why the stamp was issued:  In tribute to America’s past and present prisoners of war and missing in action. The second US stamp to honor POW and MIA. The USPS waived licensing and royalty fees to nonprofit organizations to allow them to use this stamp image on their merchandise.

About the stamp design:  This stamp came about as the result of several years of lobbying.  Previously, a 1970 stamp issued for the 50th anniversary of the Disabled American Veterans (US #1422) had honored Prisoners of War (POW) and Missing in Action (MIA).  Over the years, various groups called for another stamp.  One person even staged a contest requesting stamp designs.  Among those calling for a new stamp was New Hampshire senator and Vietnam veteran Robert C. Smith.  In 1992, Smith spearheaded an amendment to the Department of Defense authorization bill that required the creation of a new POW and MIA stamp.  While the amendment was initially unanimously accepted, it was eventually removed from the final bill. 

In 1994, Smith wrote a letter to the postmaster general calling for a POW-MIA stamp.  He noted that that year marked the 30th anniversary of the capture of the first and longest-held US POW in Vietnam.  And also, that 1994 was the 50th anniversary of the landing at Normandy, which ultimately led to the release of hundreds of POWs. The USPS initially declined to issue such a stamp but ultimately changed their position and agreed to produce it.

Special design details:  The dog tags pictured on this stamp differ from the standard military dog tags in two ways.  The lettering is raised on the stamp, while its normally indented on regular dog tags.  This was because the indented lettering didn’t reproduce well.  Also, the raised edge is visible on the front side, when its normally only on the back.

About the printing process:  The identification tags and chain were printed in silver ink and covered with what the USPS termed “clear spot varnish” to help make the tags stand out.