PURPLE HEART DAY

Oldest active duty medal in the United States

Established by George Washington on August 7, 1782

Originally called the Badge of Military Merit

Awarded for “military merit and for wounds received in action”

In 1932, U.S. Army Chief of Staff, Douglas McArthur, renamed the Badge of Military Merit the Purple Heart.

Unlike other awards, the Purple Heart is an entitlement; it does not depend on recommendation of a superior officer.

In 1942, the first woman received the Purple Heart: Army Lt. Annie G. Fox.

Initially, the Purple Heart could only be issued to Army service members, which changed in 1942 when Franklin D. Roosevelt authorized the Purple Heart to all military branches as well as to be granted posthumously.

One of the first military honors given to all ranks

Over 1 million awarded during WWII

Famous recipients include Oliver Stone, James Garner, Kurt Vonnegut, Pat Tilman, and even animals including Sgt. Stubby, the dog.

35,000 Purple Hearts have been awarded during Operation Iraqi Freedom.