The wife of a serviceman who was named missing in action, Mary Hoff, started the tradition for the POW MIA flag in 1971 during the Vietnam War. Newt Heisley designed the logo which is now black and white. The flag was originally designed to recognize and represent troops who were claimed MIA or POW.

This flag is to be flown on at government buildings and military installations, including Veterans Day, Independence Day, Memorial Day, Armed Forces Day, Flag Day and of course National POW/MIA Recognition Day. In mess, dining and chow halls the POW MIA flag is draped over a solitary table and chair as a symbol for the missing. The chair signifies a hope for their return.

Civilians may fly this flag at any time they would like. It is customary that the flag be no larger than an accompanying US flag, and should be flown below it. When flying from separate poles, this flag should be flown to the onlookers' left of the US flag.

There are black and orange versions, as well as red and black ones, but the black and white version is the flag officially flown by the United States of America.

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