What is a Purple Heart?

Purple Heart is a prestigious military award given to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have been wounded or killed in enemy action. Established by George Washington in 1782, it is recognized as the oldest military decoration in the world that is still in use today. The decoration has undergone several revivals over the centuries, but its basic design has remained the same. In this article, we will discuss the definition and history of the Purple Heart. 

What is the purpose of the Purple Heart?

The purpose of the Purple Heart was to award American service members who have been wounded or killed while serving their country. The criteria for receiving the award is stringent and requires that the injury or death be caused by an enemy act of direct or indirect combat operations. This includes injuries sustained from enemy weapons, aircraft, or agents, as well as concussion injuries resulting from enemy actions.

History of the Purple Heart

Here’s a timeline of the history of the Purple Heart:

– August 7, 1782: General George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit, which was awarded to soldiers who demonstrated “any singularly meritorious action.” The Badge of Military Merit was the predecessor of the Purple Heart.

– 1792: The Blue and Purple Badge was created to honor soldiers who had served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. The Purple Badge was worn by soldiers who were wounded, and the Blue Badge was worn by soldiers who were present at the Battles of Lexington and Concord.

– March 3, 1931: The Badge of Military Merit was revived by General Douglas MacArthur and renamed the Purple Heart.

– April 5, 1942: President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9277, expanding the eligibility criteria for the Purple Heart to include both posthumous awards and Army personnel who were killed or wounded by enemy agents or in indirect combat operations.

– August 7, 1942: The Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard began awarding the Purple Heart.

– February 22, 1952: President Harry S. Truman signed an executive order allowing for the Purple Heart to be awarded to civilians who were killed or wounded in the line of duty while serving with the Armed Forces.

– November 21, 1984: The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor was established in New York to honor Purple Heart recipients and preserve their stories.

– April 2, 1985: The Purple Heart was extended to cover acts of terrorism, specifically those involving non-penetrating wounds.

Today, the Purple Heart is one of the most prestigious military awards and a symbol of bravery and sacrifice. Its history is a testament to the courage and dedication of American soldiers.

The Badge Becomes The Purple Heart Medal

Previous to the Purple Heart Medal the Badge of Military Merit, first introduced by George Washington in 1782. The badge was awarded to soldiers who displayed exceptional bravery in combat, and it was a purple cloth heart worn on the left breast.

However, the badge was discontinued after the American Revolution, and it wasn’t until 1932 that General Douglas MacArthur spearheaded efforts to revive the award. He felt that the country needed to recognize the sacrifices and heroic actions of the soldiers who fought in World War I.

MacArthur worked diligently to change the eligibility requirements for the award. Originally intended only for those who demonstrated “unusual valor,” the new criteria for the revived award included those who were wounded in action, killed in action, or held as a prisoner of war.

The design of the revived award also underwent a significant transformation. Instead of a purple cloth heart, the new award would be a heart-shaped medal made of a purple bronze alloy.

In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an executive order that retroactively awarded the Purple Heart Medal to soldiers who had fought in World War I. This meant that anyone who had been wounded or killed in action during the war was eligible to receive the medal.

George Washington and the Origin of the Purple Heart

The origins of the Purple Heart can be traced back to General George Washington and the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. In 1782, General Washington established the Badge of Military Merit to give recognition to soldiers who performed acts of valor and gallantry in the line of duty. This award was designed to honor not only commissioned officers but also noncommissioned officers who were often overlooked for their contributions to the war effort.

The recipients of the Badge of Military Merit were to be chosen by Washington himself through the strict enforcement of high standards and exemplary military service. Of particular note, was his emphasis on the opening of the award to non-commissioned officers.

Washington’s emphasis on the contributions of noncommissioned officers was notable in the awarding of the first three Badges of Military Merit, all of which were given to these often-forgotten servicemen. These noncommissioned officers had distinguished themselves in battle through their courageous actions and perseverance. 

What are the eligibility requirements for awarding the Purple Heart?

The eligibility requirements for awarding the Purple Heart have undergone modifications since its inception in 1932. The earliest modification made to the eligibility requirements for awarding the Purple Heart was during World War II. President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorized the award to be given to service members who were wounded in combat but not necessarily by an enemy bullet. This modification broadened the eligibility requirements for the award, enabling more service members to receive it.

The next modification was made in 1943 when President Roosevelt authorized the award to be given to service members who were wounded by enemy agents. This modification recognized the significant impact that covert enemy operations could have on U.S. military operations.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy authorized the award to be given posthumously to service members killed in direct or indirect combat operations. This modification allowed for the families of those killed in action to receive the honor in memory of their loved one’s heroic actions.

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan authorized the award to be given to service members who were diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI) or concussion injuries that resulted in loss of consciousness. This modification recognized the significant impact that TBI and concussion injuries can have on a service member’s ability to perform their duty.

In 2008, the eligibility requirements were modified again to include service members who are injured as a result of being a belligerent party in an armed conflict. This modification recognized the psychological trauma that service members experience during their time in combat and the impact that this trauma can have on their physical and mental health. 

Is the purple Purple Heart the only Wound decorations?

No, the Purple Heart is not the only wound decoration. In fact, there are many other decorations issued to recognize service members who have been wounded while serving their country. These include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with Valor Device, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat “V” Device and the Army Commendation

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