Description

All soldiers know that the Purple Heart is given to those who are wounded or killed while fighting in the nation’s wars.  Most also know that those who are injured or die in terrorist attacks are eligible to receive the decoration, too.  What most soldiers, and most Americans, do not realize, however, is that the Purple Heart is a unique military award.  First, it is the oldest U.S. military decoration; General George Washington awarded the first purple-colored heart-shaped badges to soldiers who fought in the Continental Army during the American Revolution.  Second, until World War II, the Purple Heart was exclusively an Army decoration and, with rare exceptions, only soldiers received it; the Navy and Marine Corps lacked the authority to award it to sea service personnel.  Finally, the Purple Heart is the only decoration awarded without regard to any person’s favor or approval; any soldier, sailor, airman or marine who sheds blood in defense of the nation is automatically awarded the Purple Heart.  What follows is a history of this unique decoration and some of its soldier recipients.