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The Purple Heart is a military decoration that is awarded in the United States to members of the armed forces who are wounded or killed in action against an enemy of the United States. It is one of the oldest military awards still in use by U.S. armed forces and has a rich history behind it.

History of the Purple Heart

The Purple Heart was originally created as the Badge of Military Merit in 1782 by General George Washington during the American Revolution. The badge was awarded to soldiers who displayed exceptional valor and meritorious service in combat. The original badge was a purple piece of cloth in the shape of a heart with the word “Merit” embroidered on it.

After the American Revolution, the Badge of Military Merit fell into disuse until it was revived in 1932 by General Douglas MacArthur. The United States War Department authorized the creation of a new medal – the Purple Heart – to be retroactively awarded to soldiers who had received the Badge of Military Merit during the American Revolution.

The Criteria For The Purple Heart

The Purple Heart is awarded to any member of the U.S. armed forces who has been wounded, killed, or has died as a result of wounds received in action against an enemy of the United States. It is also awarded to any soldier who is injured or killed as a result of enemy fire while a prisoner of war.

The award criteria for the Purple Heart were expanded in 2015 to include service members who suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by an enemy attack. Prior to this, TBIs were not eligible for the Purple Heart as they were not considered a “wound”.

Design of the Purple Heart

The Purple Heart has undergone several design changes throughout its history. The current design features a purple heart-shaped medal with a gold border and a profile bust of George Washington in the center. The reverse side bears the inscription “For Military Merit” with space for the recipient’s name to be engraved.

The medal is suspended from a purple ribbon with a white stripe down the center. The purple ribbon represents the original Badge of Military Merit, while the white stripe represents the purity of a soldier’s sacrifice.

Notable Recipients of the Purple Heart

The Purple Heart has been awarded to many brave men and women who have sacrificed for their country. Some notable recipients include:

• John F. Kennedy – The President received the Purple Heart for his service in World War II.
• Colin Powell – The retired General and former Secretary of State received the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in Vietnam.
• Tammy Duckworth – The current Senator from Illinois received the Purple Heart for injuries sustained during combat in Iraq.

The Purple Heart is a symbol of sacrifice and bravery for those who have served in the U.S. armed forces. It is a reminder of the sacrifices that have been made to defend our country and preserve our freedom. Every recipient of the Purple Heart has a unique story, and their bravery and sacrifice should never be forgotten.

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