S.C. Code Ann. § 25-11-520: Eligibility.

(A) The department, in consultation with the Adjutant General, shall determine eligibility for the medal. For any person qualifying for the medal pursuant to Section 25-11-510(3), the secretary shall determine eligibility on a case by case basis. There is no required period of captivity; however, the secretary and the Adjutant General shall compare such cases to those under which persons have generally been held captive by enemy forces during periods of armed conflict.

(B) The department may require a copy of DD Form 214 or WD Form 53 and any other information necessary to determine eligibility.