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Great Video!
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History of the Purple Heart
Originally designated as the Badge of Military Merit, the Purple Heart is the oldest United States military decoration still being awarded to those killed or wounded by enemy action while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
The award was first established on August 7, 1782 by General (and later President) George Washington, who was then serving as the Commander of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. General Washington later awarded the Badge of Military Merit to following three soldiers:
On May 3, 1783
- Sergeant William Brown, 5th Connecticut Regiment of the Connecticut Line (source)
- Sergeant Elijah Churchill, 2nd Regiment Light Dragoons (source)
On June 10, 1783
- Sergeant Daniel Bissell, 2nd Connecticut Regiment of the Connecticut Line (source)
Although never abolished, the Badge of Military Merit was not issued again. In the lead up to the 200th anniversary of President Washington's birth, then-Army Chief of Staff Douglas MacArthur spearheaded a revival of the prestigious award. It was renamed the Purple Heart and awarded for meritorious or valorous service in the United States Army.
By Order of the President of the United States, the Purple Heart was revived on the 200th Anniversary of George Washington’s birth, out of respect to his memory and military achievements, by War Department General Orders No. 3, dated 22 February 1932. The criteria was announced in War Department Circular dated 22 February 1932 and authorized award to soldiers, upon their request, who had been awarded the Meritorious Service Citation Certificate or were authorized to wear wound chevrons subsequent to 5 April 1917.
Check out a boatload of Purple Heart history at the WWII Museum's website link https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/history-of-the-purple-heart.
Additionally, the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York. They collect, preserve and share the stories of all Purple Heart recipients. For more info, explore their website at https://www.thepurpleheart.com/.
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