The United States Military is among the most impressive armed forces in the world. Millions of people have worn the uniform and defended this great nation domestically or internationally. Active and retired personnel often take pride in their military service, and the desire to serve eclipses a need for commendation. The military rewards exemplary service, and no honor is more unique than the Purple Heart Award.
A select number of people receive the Purple Heart. According to the United States Army, the Purple Heart is given to those who are wounded or killed in battle. Individuals who are injured or perish in terrorist attacks also are eligible to receive the commendation.
The Purple Heart is unlike any other commendation offered by the military. The Purple Heart is the oldest American military decoration, as General George Washington awarded the first purple-colored heart-shaped badges to soldiers who fought during the American Revolution as part of the Continental Army. Then the Purple Heart was known as the Badge of Military Merit, according to The National WWII Museum in New Orleans. Washington wanted to establish an award for valor and meritorious service. Additional criteria were added later that governed eligibility for the award. This included, “A wound, which necessitates treatment by a medical officer, and which is received in action with an enemy of the United States, or as a result of an act of such enemy…” It also was the first military award that could be given to soldiers of any rank.
The first soldiers to receive the Badge of Military Merit were William Brown and Elija Churchill. The first service member to receive the modern-day Purple Heart was Army Gen. Douglas MacArthur for his service in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
Until World War II, only soldiers in the Army could receive the decoration. It was originally stated that the Navy and Marine Corps. lacked the authority to award it to sea service personnel. Prior to World War II, around 78,000 Purple Hearts were issued to U.S. Army personnel. However, by the end of WWII, more than one million Purple Hearts were issued to men and women. Army Lt. Annie G. Fox, who was serving as the chief nurse at Hickam Field, Hawaii, was the first woman to receive a Purple Heart for her work during the Pearl Harbor attacks, according to the USO.
The Purple Heart is issued automatically when the criteria are met, unlike other military awards that require application or petition. Service members can receive multiple Purple Hearts throughout their military careers. Curry T. Haynes, who served in the Army during the Vietnam War, had a total of 10 Purple Hearts at the time of his death in 2017 from cancer.
U. S. President John F. Kennedy is the only president to receive a Purple Heart. President Kennedy served in the Navy during WWII and injured his back when a Japanese destroyer collided with his patrol torpedo. Despite his injury, Kennedy swam three miles while towing a badly burned crew member to safety.
The Purple Heart Award is a unique military decoration that has evolved since its inception during the American Revolution.
