Flat Bobby Gets Misty-Eyed

Flat Bobby Gets Misty-Eyed, originally uploaded by Foxicat.

The original Purple Heart award was instituted by George Washington in 1782 to reward troops for "unusual gallantry" and "extraordinary fidelity and essential service." The award was a purple cloth heart edged in silver braid, and was to be worn over the left breast of the uniform. Only three awards are known to have been issued, of which two are known to exist today.

The Purple Heart as we know it today was reestablished in 1932 to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the birth of George Washington. The original criteria for award of the Purple Heart as published in the War Department Circular No. 6 of February 22, 1932 states that the medal be awarded to anyone serving in the Army who had received combat-related injuries or had received the AEF's Meritorious Service Citation Certificate during WWI, the latter criteria harkening back to the intent of George Washington's "Badge of Military Merit".

Award Specifications

The Purple Heart differs from all other decorations in that an individual is not "recommended" for the decoration; rather he or she is entitled upon being killed or wounded in a manner meeting the specific criteria of AR 600-8-22:

• In any action against an enemy of the United States;


• In any action with an opposing armed force of a foreign country in which the Armed Forces of the United States are or have been engaged;


• While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party;


• As a result of an act of any such enemy of opposing armed forces;


• As the result of an act of any hostile foreign force;


• After March 28, 1973, as a result of an international terrorist attack against the United States or a foreign nation friendly to the United States, recognized as such an attack by the Secretary of the department concerned, or jointly by the Secretaries of the departments concerned if persons from more than one department are wounded in the attack; or,


• After March 28, 1973, as a result of military operations, while serving outside the territory of the United States as part of a peacekeeping force.


• After December 7, 1941, by weapon fire while directly engaged in armed conflict, regardless of the fire causing the wound.


• While held as a prisoner of war or while being taken captive.