What year was the Code of Conduct written?

The Code of Conduct was established in 1955 as a set of guidelines to govern the behavior of members of the United States Armed Forces, particularly in situations of captivity. This code serves to reinforce the principles of duty, honor, and loyalty that service members are expected to uphold, especially in the face of adversities such as imprisonment or captivity. The development of the Code was a response to lessons learned during conflicts, including those in Korea and World War II, where the treatment of POWs and their conduct in captivity became areas of concern.

In 1977, the Code was updated and recast in a more formal way, leading to some confusion about its initial authorship and intent. However, the original document was indeed created in 1955, which is why this year is recognized as its inception.