Purple Heart Medal

Home > Awards Home > Air Force Awards > Purple Heart

Purple Heart

Purple Heart Medal

The Purple Heart Medal was established by General George Washington, originally known as the "Badge of Military Merit", on August 7, 1782. Revived as the Purple Heart in 1932 by General Douglas MacArthur, War Department General Orders No. 3, as amended, and Navy authority is Executive Order 9277. While clearly an individual decoration, the Purple Heart differs from all other decorations in that an individual is not "recommended" for the decoration; rather he or she is entitled to it upon meeting specific criteria.

Criteria: The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States, to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States or any civilian national of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Forces, after April 5, 1917, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may hereafter die of wounds received under any of the following circumstances:
1. In action against an enemy of the United States.
2. In action with an opposing armed force of a foreign country in which the Armed Forces of the United States are or have been engaged.
3. 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.
4. As a result of an act of any such enemy of opposing armed forces.
5. As the result of an act of any hostile foreign force.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. A Service member who is killed or wounded in action as the result of action by friendly weapon fire while directly engaged in armed conflict, other than as a result of an act of an enemy of the U.S., unless (in the case of a wound) the wound is the result of wilful misconduct of the member under Section 1129 of title 10, U.S.C.
9. Before April 25, 1962, while held as a prisoner of war, or while being taken captive, in the same manner as a former prisoner of war who is wounded on or after that date while held as a prisoner of war, or while being taken captive under Section 521, DoD Authorization Act for 1996.

A wound is defined as an injury to any part of the body from an outside force or agent sustained under one or more of the conditions listed above. A physical lesion is not required, however, the wound for which the award is made must have required treatment by medical personnel and records of medical treatment for wounds or injuries received in action must have been made a matter of official record.

When contemplating an award of this decoration, the key issue that commanders must take into consideration is the degree to which the enemy caused the injury. The fact that the proposed recipient was participating in direct or indirect combat operations is a necessary prerequisite, but is not sole justification for award.

Examples of enemy-related injuries which clearly justify award of the Purple Heart are as follows:
1. Injury caused by enemy bullet, shrapnel, or other projectile created by enemy action.
2. Injury caused by enemy placed mine or trap.
3. Injury caused by enemy released chemical, biological, or nuclear agent.
4. Injury caused by vehicle or aircraft accident resulting from enemy fire.
5. Concussion injuries caused as a result of enemy generated explosions.

Examples of injuries or wounds which clearly do not justify award of the Purple Heart are as follows:
1. Frostbite or trench foot injuries.
2. Heat stroke.
3. Food poisoning not caused by enemy agents.
4. Chemical, biological, or nuclear agents not released by the enemy.
5. Battle fatigue.
6. Disease not directly caused by enemy agents.
7. Accidents, to include explosive, aircraft, vehicular, and other accidental wounding not related to or caused by enemy action.
8. Self-inflicted wounds, except when in the heat of battle and not involving gross negligence.
9. Post traumatic stress disorders.
10. Jump injuries not caused by enemy action.

It is not intended that such a strict interpretation of the requirement for the wound or injury to be caused by direct result of hostile action be taken that it would preclude the award being made to deserving personnel. Commanders must also take into consideration the circumstances surrounding an injury, even if it appears to meet the criteria.

For those who became Prisoners of War during World War II, the Korean War and before and after 25 April 1962, the Purple Heart will be awarded to individuals wounded while prisoners of foreign forces, upon submission by the individual to the Department of the U.S. Army of an affidavit that is supported by a statement from a witness, if this is possible.

After December 7, 1941, the Purple Heart Medal is also awarded to a Service member who is killed or dies while in captivity as a Prisoner Of War, under circumstances establishing eligibility for the POW medal, unless compelling evidence is presented that shows that the member's death was not the result of enemy action.

The statutory time limits pertaining to award of military decorations does not apply to the Purple Heart. The Purple Heart may be awarded at any time after submission of documented proof that criteria have been met.

Each approved award of the Purple Heart must exhibit all of the following factors: wound, injury or death must have been the result of enemy or hostile act; international terrorist attack; or friendly fire (as defined above) the wound or injury must have required treatment by medical officials; and the records of medical treatment must have been made a matter of official Army, Air Force, or Navy service branch records.

Description: The Medal has a heart-shaped pendant of purple enamel bearing a gold replica of the head of General George Washington, in relief, and the Washington Shield. The shield is in colors.
The ribbon is dark purple with white edges.

Category of Award: Individual Decoration

Authorized: August 7, 1782, Revived in 1932 by General Douglas MacArthur.

Device(s): Bronze and/or Silver Oak Leaf Clusters (if applicable).

References:
AR 600-8-22, Military Awards; Pages 20 to 22.
AFI 36-2803, The Air Force Military Awards and Decorations Program; Pages 85 to 88.
SECNAVINST 1650.1H, Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual; Page 2-27 and 2-28.
COMDTINST M1650.25E, Coast Guard Military Medals and Awards Manual; Pages 2-7.
DoD Manual 1348.33-M, Manual of Military Decorations and Awards; Page 102-103.
DoD Manual 1348.33; Volume 1, Manual of Military Decorations and Awards: General Information, Medal of Honor, and Defense/Joint Decorations and Awards; Page 64.
DoD Manual 1348.33, Volume 3, Manual of Military Decorations and Awards: DoD-Wide Performance and Valor Awards; Pages 21 to 23.