News and Communication | National Prisoner of War Museum

Communicating with fellow captives and receiving news from outside the walls of their camp is a top priority for prisoners of war. Methods of communication vary, but can include writing in a journal, distributing camp newsletters, or developing secret codes with fellow POWs.

Typically, all mail to and from prisoners of war is censored twice—once by the hostile power and a second time by the U.S. government. Prisoners learn to avoid discussing enemy activity, quoting books or other writings, and criticizing any government. POWs who break these rules and others can be severely punished.