Purple heart

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Purple heart
Purple heart
Awarded by the United States Armed Forces
Art Award
requirement American Army member
Awarded for "Wounded or killed fighting an enemy of the United States"
status Is awarded
Data
Foundation year 1782
Benefactor George Washington
First awarded February 22, 1932
Awards 1,910,162 (as of June 5, 2010)
Precedence
Next lower award Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Ribbon buckle badge

The Purple Heart ( German  Violet Heart ) is the Wound Badge of the United States Armed Forces and also the world's oldest still in use today military orders . It is awarded to soldiers who have been wounded in combat by opposing forces, as well as posthumously to fallen soldiers. Until 1997 civilians who worked for the US armed forces could also receive the medal. Since 2001 they have received the Secretary of Defense Medal for the Defense of Freedom .

Originally donated by George Washington in 1782 to honor soldiers in times of financial need, the Purple Heart was forgotten for almost 150 years. It was not until 1932, on the occasion of Washington’s bicentenary, that it was revived by the US War Department and also awarded retrospectively for wounds that have occurred since April 5, 1917.

The American heraldist Elizabeth Will is responsible for today's design of the Purple Heart . The first copy was minted in the largest American mint , the Philadelphia Mint , and designed by John R. Sinnock .

Appearance and wearing style

The Purple Heart consists of a violet metal heart with gilded edge, showing the bust of George Washington and attached to a violet ribbon. Both elements are connected by the coat of arms of the family coat of arms of George Washington (given in 1412 by the English king to Sir William of Wessyngton). The upper half of the reverse of the award has the slogan FOR MILITARY MERIT (For military merit ), below which, usually at the expense of the recipient, his rank, name and the day of the wound is engraved.

The Purple Heart is worn on the left side of the chest. On festive occasions, for example Veterans Day or at state receptions, it is worn in its original size, otherwise only as a ribbon buckle . If the entrusted is wounded again after receiving the Purple Heart, a bronze oak leaf is awarded for the ribbon clasp, which is applied in the middle, instead of the badge of honor. After five bronze oak leaves are awarded, a silver oak leaf is awarded and after five silver oak leaves are awarded, gold has never been awarded.

  • Purple Heart in its award box with the appropriate civil pin (small) and ribbon

  • Awarded by the President of the United States, Barack Obama , in April 2009

  • Purple Heart at memorial event in Iraq

See also

Web links

Commons : Purple Heart  - collection of images, videos and audio files