The Purple Heart is the oldest military award in the United States. The commendation is unique in that it is awarded automatically to individuals when certain criteria are met, which includes being injured or killed in battle or during terrorist attacks. According to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, roughly 1.8 million Purple Hearts have been awarded since the decoration’s official establishment in 1932.
There is no limit to the number of Purple Heart Awards a person can receive. Many brave men and women have been issued this special commendation. All of these people are remarkable in some way, particularly for their bravery and sacrifices in service of the United States. However, some people are more famous than others. Here is a look at some of the more well-known recipients of the Purple Heart.
• Army General Douglas MacArthur (the first service member to receive the modern-day Purple Heart), World War II
• Actor James Arness, World War II
• NFL great Robert “Rocky” Bleier, Vietnam War
• Actor Charles Bronson, World War II
• Actor James Garner, Korean War
• Marine Corp Sergeant Ron Kovic, Vietnam War
• Journalist Ernest “Ernie” Pyle, World War II
• Screenwriter Rod Serling, Philippines combat
• Filmmaker Oliver Stone, Vietnam War
• NFL player Pat Tillman, friendly fire incident in Afghanistan
• Novelist Kurt Vonnegut, World War II
• K-9 war hero Sergeant Stubby, World War II
• Combat nurse Cordelia “Betty” Cook, World War II
• President John F. Kennedy, World War II
• Secretary of State John Kerry, Vietnam War
• Senator John McCain, Vietnam War
• Secretary of State Colin Powell, Vietnam War
