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Purple Heart: Celebrating Its Roots and the Heroes it Honors

by/August 7, 2023
Black Hawk Helicopter Pilot Receives Purple Heart

Fort Worth, Texas, native Sgt. Jonathan Dillenberg, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew chief for C Company “Ghost Riders,” 3rd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, salutes Traverse City, Mich., native Col. Dan Shanahan, commander of 1st ACB, after having his Purple Heart pinned on during a ceremony at Camp Taji, Iraq, June 25. Dillenberg, who also received a Combat Action Badge, was wounded in the left forearm when his aircraft was engaged during a routine mission in Baghdad.
Photographer: Staff Sgt. Nathan Hoskins (public domain)

From George Washington’s Badge of Merit to Today’s Purple Heart, a Journey of Valor and Sacrifice

The Purple Heart, a symbol recognizable across our nation, carries with it stories of valor, stories of sacrifice, and stories of brave men and women who stood for their country. These aren’t just tales of old; they are accounts of real individuals whose legacies are immortalized through the honor they received.

On August 7th, we celebrate National Purple Heart Day—a day dedicated to those who, in the name of duty and country, faced battles, overcame injuries, or paid the ultimate price. These brave individuals were awarded the Purple Heart, not merely as a token, but as a testament to their indomitable spirit.

  • The Original Honor:

    The Purple Heart’s roots can be traced back to 1782 when it was called the Badge of Merit, established by none other than George Washington. It was a recognition given for “any singularly meritorious action.”

  • Washington’s Personal Touch:

    Though George Washington himself awarded only three of these badges, he ensured his subordinates had the authority to honor deserving soldiers with them.

  • Transformation to the Purple Heart:

    In 1932, by the Executive Order of President Herbert Hoover and on the 200th Anniversary of George Washington’s birth, the Badge of Merit was revived as the Purple Heart. This modern version, embellished with Washington’s profile, was awarded both to those wounded in action against the enemy and those who showcased meritorious performance of duty

  • Criteria Refined:

    Over the years, the criteria for the Purple Heart evolved to reflect the changing nature of warfare and societal perspectives. By 1944, it was distinctly marked for those wounded or who made the ultimate sacrifice. This criteria further expanded over the decades, encompassing injuries due to ‘friendly fire’, those inflicted by a ‘foreign terrorist organization’, and casualties from circumstances like the Vietnam War, where the U.S. was not initially a formal participant.

  • First Modern Recipient:

    General Douglas MacArthur, recognized for his significant contributions during World War II, was among the early and notable recipients of the modern Purple Heart.

  • Legacy of Valor:

    Over 1.8 million Purple Hearts symbolize the profound honor and sacrifice made by our nation’s bravest throughout history.

The Purple Heart is not just an emblem but a solemn pledge of a nation’s gratitude. On this day, we unite as Americans to remember and deeply honor the brave souls who, in their service, bore the scars of battle or made the ultimate sacrifice. Awarded in the name of the President, this medal serves as an enduring testament to their valor. Join us in honoring those who’ve been bestowed the esteemed Purple Heart.

RECOGNIZE THE SACRIFICE

Navigating the intricacies of awards and honors can sometimes be overwhelming. But there’s a dedicated platform out there doing the heavy lifting for our brave soldiers: ‘Recognize the Sacrifice’. Their mission? Advocate for every service member with a combat-related Traumatic Brain Injury to receive an early diagnosis, continued care, and consistent, official recognition of their sacrifice by receipt of the Purple Heart medal.

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