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The Purple Heart (PH) is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the president to those wounded or killed while serving, on or after 5 April 1917, with the U.S. military.
The Purple Heart is awarded to military members who are injured and killed in combat, through an act of terrorism or by friendly fire. It acknowledges the physical sacrifice of service to the...
Learn about the origins and evolution of the Purple Heart, the oldest active military medal in the US, from George Washington to World War II. Find out how the Purple Heart was awarded to over 1 million servicemembers who were wounded or killed by enemy action in the war.
- Malloryk
- The Purple Heart is the Oldest Military Award Still Presented to American Service Members. The Purple Heart’s first predecessor, the Fidelity Medallion, was created in 1780 by the Continental Congress, but was only awarded to three soldiers that year.
- The Purple Heart Was One of the First Military Medals Given to All Ranks. In the years before 1782, when the Purple Heart’s predecessor, the Badge of Military Merit, was first created, most military awards were only given to officers who had secured grand victories in battle.
- Today’s Purple Heart Medal and Eligibility. Thanks to Army Gen. Douglas MacArthur, the Purple Heart officially received its modern-day look and name in 1932.
- Who Received the First Purple Heart in U.S. History? During the Revolutionary War, Continental Army soldiers William Brown and Elijah Churchill were the first soldiers to receive the Badge of Military Merit, the predecessor to the Purple Heart.
Learn how the Purple Heart, the oldest military decoration in the U.S., was created by George Washington in 1782 and revived in 1932. Find out the criteria, timeline and recipients of the award for wounded, killed or died by enemy action.
May 21, 2024 · Purple Heart, the first U.S. military decoration, created in 1782 by George Washington for bravery in action and now awarded to those wounded or killed.
Learn about the Purple Heart, the oldest U.S. military decoration, established by George Washington in 1782 and revived in 1932. Find out how it is awarded to soldiers wounded or killed in action or terrorist attacks and see some examples of recipients.
