Unfathomable Bravery": Purple Heart Medals Awarded In Afghanistan Conflic

The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded to those wounded or killed while serving in the U.S. military. It is the oldest military award still given to U.S. military members, with nearly two million medals presented since its establishment in 1932. As of November 18, 2018, 12,534 Purple Hearts have been awarded to U.S. military service members who have been wounded or killed during the War in Afghanistan.

The Purple Heart is the oldest military award still given to US military members

In 1932, the Purple Heart was revived by General Douglas MacArthur to commemorate bravery and recognise soldiers with wounds. The Purple Heart is now awarded to members of the US military who are wounded or killed in combat, through an act of terrorism, or by friendly fire. It acknowledges the physical sacrifice of service to the nation.

The Purple Heart differs from most other military decorations in that it is not "recommended" for the decoration. Instead, it is given to troops that meet the specific criteria. The injury must have occurred during hostilities and required treatment by a medical officer.

Since 1932, nearly two million Purple Heart medals have been awarded to American service members. During World War II, approximately one million Purple Hearts were awarded. More recently, 12,500 Purple Hearts have been awarded to service members in the War in Afghanistan.

The Purple Heart was established by George Washington in 1782 as the Badge of Military Merit

The Purple Heart, one of the oldest and most distinguished U.S. military decorations, was first established as the Badge of Military Merit by General George Washington, the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, on August 7, 1782. Washington, who wanted to recognise merit among enlisted soldiers, created the badge to honour "any singularly meritorious action". The badge was to be worn over the left breast of the recipient and consisted of a purple heart-shaped piece of silk, edged with silver binding and the word "Merit" stitched across the front. The honoree's name and regiment were also to be inscribed in a "Book of Merit".

The Badge of Military Merit was only awarded to three soldiers by Washington himself during the Revolutionary War: Sergeant William Brown of the 5th Connecticut Regiment of the Connecticut Line, Sergeant Elijah Churchill of the 2nd Continental Light Dragoons, and Sergeant Daniel Bissell of the 2nd Connecticut Regiment of the Connecticut Line. All three received the badge from Washington in person in 1783. Washington also authorised his subordinate officers to issue the badges as appropriate.

Although the badge was never officially abolished, it fell into disuse after the Revolutionary War and was not proposed again until after World War I. In 1927, Army Chief of Staff General Charles Pelot Summerall directed that a draft bill be sent to Congress to revive the badge, but the bill was withdrawn in 1928. In 1931, Summerall's successor, General Douglas MacArthur, took up the cause and began work on a new design, hoping to reinstate the medal in time for the bicentennial of Washington's birth. On February 22, 1932, Washington's 200th birthday, the War Department announced the creation of the "Order of the Purple Heart", which included aspects of Washington's original design as well as a bust of Washington and his coat of arms.

The Purple Heart is awarded to those wounded or killed while serving with the US military

The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded to those wounded or killed while serving with the US military. It is the oldest military award still presented to American service members, with nearly two million medals awarded since its establishment in 1932. The Purple Heart is considered a great honour and comes with various benefits from state and federal governments and nonprofit organisations.

The Purple Heart was originally established by George Washington in 1782 as the Badge of Military Merit. It took the form of a heart made of purple cloth and was awarded to soldiers who displayed "not only instances of unusual gallantry in battle, but also extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way". The Badge of Military Merit was only awarded to three Revolutionary War soldiers by Washington himself.

In 1932, the Purple Heart was re-established by Army Chief of Staff General Douglas MacArthur, who worked with the Washington Commission of Fine Arts and Army heraldic specialist Elizabeth Will to design the medal. The Purple Heart features George Washington's likeness and is awarded to service members of any rank who have been wounded or killed in enemy action.

To receive the Purple Heart, a soldier must be injured by enemy action and receive documented treatment from a medical officer. While the Purple Heart is typically awarded for wounds received in combat, it can also be awarded as a result of an international terrorist attack or as a result of military operations while serving as part of a peacekeeping force. In addition, the Purple Heart can be awarded posthumously or to prisoners of war.

The Purple Heart is not given as a recommendation; rather, it is an entitlement earned through individual sacrifice. It is presented in the name of the President of the United States and is considered a solemn distinction, recognising the sacrifice and bravery of service members.

The Purple Heart is also awarded to soldiers who have suffered maltreatment as prisoners of war

The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration and the oldest American military award. It is awarded to members of the US armed forces who have been wounded or killed while serving, on or after 5 April 1917, with the US military. The Purple Heart is also awarded to soldiers who have suffered maltreatment as prisoners of war.

The Purple Heart traces its lineage back to the Revolutionary War when it was called the Badge of Military Merit. The Badge of Military Merit was established by George Washington, then the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, on 7 August 1782. The badge was only awarded to three soldiers by Washington himself. The Badge of Military Merit was awarded for "unusual gallantry" and "extraordinary fidelity and essential service".

After World War I, there was renewed interest in reviving the Badge of Military Merit. In 1927, Army Chief of Staff General Charles Pelot Summerall directed that a draft bill be sent to Congress to revive the badge. The bill was withdrawn in 1928, but in 1931, Summerall's successor, General Douglas MacArthur, reopened work on a new design. The Purple Heart was then re-established by executive order of the president of the United States on 22 February 1932.

The Purple Heart is awarded to soldiers who have suffered maltreatment as prisoners of war. This was expanded by the National Defense Authorization Act in 1998, which changed the criteria to include the award of the Purple Heart to any former prisoner of war who was wounded after 25 April 1962.

The Purple Heart is a unique military award in that it is the only decoration awarded without regard to any person's favour or approval. Any soldier who sheds blood in defence of their nation is automatically awarded the Purple Heart.

Since 1932, nearly two million Purple Heart medals have been awarded to American service members. Of these, 12,500 Purple Hearts have been awarded to US military service members who have been wounded or killed during the War in Afghanistan.

As of 18 November 2018, 12,534 Purple Hearts have been awarded to US military service members in Afghanistan

The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded to members of the U.S. armed forces who have been wounded or killed in action against an enemy. It is also awarded to soldiers who have suffered maltreatment as prisoners of war. The Purple Heart is the oldest military award still given to U.S. military members, with nearly two million medals presented since its establishment in 1932.

As of 18 November 2018, 12,534 Purple Hearts have been awarded to U.S. military service members in Afghanistan. This number reflects the ongoing War in Afghanistan, which began on 7 October 2001 and continues to this day. As the conflict is still ongoing, the number of Purple Heart recipients will continue to rise.

The Purple Heart has a long and distinguished history, dating back to the Revolutionary War when it was known as the Badge of Military Merit. Established by George Washington, then commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, the Badge of Military Merit was awarded to soldiers who exhibited "unusual gallantry in battle, but also extraordinary fidelity and essential service."

Today, the Purple Heart is a symbol of bravery and sacrifice, recognising the wounds and injuries sustained by service members in combat. The awarding of the Purple Heart is based on specific criteria, including injuries caused by enemy bullets, shrapnel, land mines, or chemical agents. It is a testament to the courage and dedication of U.S. military personnel serving in Afghanistan and other conflict areas around the world.

The process of awarding the Purple Heart involves recommendations from the chain of command, with final approval typically resting with brigade, division, wing, or task force commanders. While the Purple Heart is considered automatic for wounds received in combat, each award is carefully reviewed to ensure it meets the required criteria. This rigorous process ensures that the Purple Heart maintains its prestige and honour.

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