All About the Purple Heart- Article

Introduction

The Purple Heart is an award that is given to members of the United States armed forces that become injured during war, or given to family members of a person that dies valiantly in military conflict at the hands of an enemy. This is a military decoration that is only for those that have seen direct combat. The award is given based on merit. Some of the ways merit was defined for receiving the award included being wounded, killed during combat, or dying later as a result of injuries in battle.

The Badge of Military Merit

The Purple Heart has a history that stretches back to the time of the American Revolution. George Washington, who was a general in the Continental Army and not yet President of the United States, wanted to recognize his soldiers for their dedication to fighting for liberty and freedom. The Purple Heart was first called the Badge of Military Merit, and was given to soldiers by Washington starting on August 7, 1782. The names of the men that were given the award were listed in a “Book of Merit” that has since been lost.

Creation of the Purple Heart

Washington made it known that the Badge of Military Merit was to become a permanent distinction given by the military for all wars and conflicts to come. However, it was forgotten until after World War I in 1918. General John J. Pershing knew that there was a need for an award for merit for men who had fought in World War I. He wanted to recognize the soldiers that had lost their lives and limbs in the horrible battles fought in Europe. After many years of asking for an award that reflected the one that George Washington originally put in place, in 1932 the Purple Heart was created. The Purple Heart award recognized the ideals that Washington found to be the criteria for just such an award. For the first time since the Revolutionary War, veterans were given their Purple Heart at Temple Hill in New Windsor, New York in 1933. This place was significant to Americans because Temple Hill was the final encampment for soldiers during the Revolutionary War. When handing out the award, organizers for the event wanted the setting to show that America had come a long way since its birth.

Who can Receive a Purple Heart?

The criteria for receiving the Purple Heart has changed since Washington first gave the award for merit. In the beginning, the award was only given to soldiers in the Army and the Army Air Corps, and could not be given to a soldier that had already died. In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an executive order that allowed for members of the Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard to receive the Purple Heart.