Douglas MacArthur, the Purple Heart officially received its modern-day look and name in 1932. Today’s Purple Heart Medal and Eligibility
service members of any rank who have been wounded or killed in enemy action are qualified to receive a Purple Heart medal. The Badge of Military Merit, now known as the Purple Heart, was truly a military medal by the people, of the people: it was one of the first awards in military history that could be given to lower-ranking, enlisted soldiers or non-commissioned officers for their outstanding service. 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. The Purple Heart Was One of the First Military Medals Given to All Ranks General George Washington presents the Badge of Military Merit in Newburgh, New York, in 1783. The Badge of Military Merit later became evolved into what we now know as the Purple Heart, which is still presented to qualified U.S. military decoration and the Purple Heart’s predecessor.Īccording to Washington, who designed the Badge of Military Merit in the form of a cloth purple heart, the Badge of Military Merit would be given to soldiers who displayed “not only instances of unusual gallantry in battle, but also extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way.” Because the Fidelity Medallion was never again bestowed, it is generally thought of as commemorative, and the Badge of Military Merit is instead considered to be the first U.S.
Two years later, in 1782, President George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit. 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 is the Oldest Military Award Still Presented to American Service Members In honor of Purple Heart Day, here are nine facts about the history of the Purple Heart Medal and its recipients: 1. A Purple Heart is a solemn distinction and means a service member has greatly sacrificed themselves, or paid the ultimate price, while in the line of duty.Īccording to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, more than 1.8 million Purple Heart medals have been presented to service members since the award was created in 1782. The Purple Heart medal is presented to service members who have been wounded or killed as a result of enemy action while serving in the U.S. On August 7, Purple Heart Day, the nation pauses to acknowledge and remember the sacrifices made by the brave members of our military.