The Purple Heart - Our First Military Medal Stories of American Heroes - Brought to you from the "Home of Heroes" - Pueblo, Colorado The Purple Heart Our Nation's First Military Award On June 26, 1775 General George Washington rode into Boston to assume command the the Continental Army of the colonies soon to declare themselves independent as the United States of America. His first impression was not a good one. Washington had served as a Colonel in the British Army during the French-Indian Wars, had led men and seen combat. During the march on Duquesne in 1755 his commander, Major General Edward Braddock had been killed, and Colonel Washington was fortunate to survive. Two horses had been shot from beneath him in the action and his uniform had been torn in four places by bullets. Now, as the 17,000 men of his new command assembled before him, General Washington had a deep sense of foreboding. This was no army! He would be hard pressed to even describe it as a militia. It was a rag-tag band of farmers, merchants, and adventurers...not a professional soldier among them.

To his good friend Patrick Henry back in Virginia he is reported to have written, "From the day I entered upon the command of the American armies, I date my fall and the ruin of my reputation." In the years that followed, Washington did his best to build them into an army. He led them by example, providing courageous inspiration in their darkest moments. He prayed for them at night, his wife sewed clothing and cooked meals for many of them during the harsh winter at Valley Forge. Though seldom considered a brilliant tactician, in fact General Washington lost more battles than he won, he was a powerful leader. Seven years later that rag-tag force was on the brink of defeating the army of Great Britain. It was an incredible transformation. In October of 1781 the British surrendered at Yorktown and General Washington set up his headquarters at Newburgh, New York. Along the way, General Washington had always tried to maintain a degree of personal involvement with his men. He witnessed their courage, their valor in battle, and did his best to reward them accordingly. This was usually accomplished through "field promotions". Any soldier who distinguished himself in battle might suddenly find himself being promoted in rank, perhaps even receiving a commission.

It was an effective recognition, for with increased rank came increased pay. By the summer of 1782 the American Revolution was over, only the formalities of adopting the peace accords remained. General Washington was in his headquarters at Newburgh, New York as the Continental Congress reviewed the cost of the war for independence, as well as the continued cost of maintaining an army. Funds were depleted, in fact many soldiers of the Continental Army had not received their pay for war time service (and would not...a point which later led to Shay's Rebellion ). In a cost-cutting measure the Congress sent General Washington a message to cease his practice of recognizing individual achievement or valor by promotion. Though the battle for freedom was over, General Washington believed it was important to maintain the effectiveness and high morale of his troops, even in peace time. As General Washington pondered this in contrast with his recent message from Congress, he began devising new ways to recognize his men for service and for singularly meritorious service. They were formalized in his General Orders of August 7, 1782.

To recognized EVERY soldier for his service, General Washington authorized a chevron to be worn on the left sleeve of any enlisted or non-commissioned veteran who had served for three years with "bravery, fidelity and good conduct". Veterans of six years service would be authorized to wear two chevrons. This was a brave new step in military history. European models had usually recognized officers and royalty with military awards, never the common soldier. George Washington's "badge of service" would take emphasis away from rank, indicating that it was SERVICE and not rank that was important. He instituted this step to recognize our first veterans of military service by saying, "The road to glory in a patriot army and a free country is thus open to all." This new recognition was established with Washington's General Orders of August 7, 1782. General Washington took it one step further, authorizing an individual award for men who singularly performed deeds of valor or unusual merit. It would become The Badge of Military Merit.

The General's orders described it thus: "The General, ever desirous to cherish virtuous ambition in his soldiers as well as foster and encourage every species of military merit, directs that whenever any singularly meritorious action is performed, the author of it shall be permitted to wear on his facings, over his left breast, the figure of a heart in purple cloth or silk, edged with narrow lace or binding. Not only instances of unusual gallantry but also of extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way shall meet with due reward. "The name and regiment of the persons so certified are to be enrolled in a Book of Merit which shall be kept in the orderly room." The Badge of Military Merit With those August 7, 1782 orders General Washington established our first military medal, the Badge of Military Merit. It was made of cloth or silk, purple in color and bordered with a white lace. It could be worn either suspended from a ribbon placed around around the neck or sewn to the left breast pocket of the uniform. The man who received it, regardless of his rank, would be granted privileges normally reserved to officers.

Specifically, any recipient of the award would be allowed to pass by guards and sentinels with the same courtesy such other enlisted men paid to officers. General Washington called upon a close friend to design the award, M. Pierre Charles L'Enfant. Later as President, George Washington called upon that same friend to design our Nation's Capitol City in Washington, D.C. Nearly a year later, on May 3, 1783 General Washington presented The Badge of Military Merit to two soldiers from Connecticut. Sergeant Elijah Churchill had been a carpenter before entering the Continental Army as a private years earlier. He was cited for gallantry in action at Fort St. George near Brookhaven on Long Island, at Coram, New York in November 1780, as well as a subsequent action at Tarrytown, New York in July 1781. Sergeant William Brown was also cited. Though records of his citation have not been recovered, it is generally believed he was cited for his gallantry during the siege of Yorktown. On June 10, 1783 General Washington presented a third Badge of Military Merit to Sergeant Daniel Bissell, Jr.

A year earlier General Washington had ordered the Connecticut sergeant to pose as a deserter, acting as a spy among the British troops in New York. From August 14 to September 29 the brave patriot had repeatedly risked his life to provide valuable information on enemy strength and movement. These three awards were all made directly by General Washington himself, the awards presented together with a certificate detailing the service for which the Badge was awarded. Two of these original awards are still on display, more than 200 years after their presentation. There is no other known record of this award. The Medal Of Honor General Washington's dream of recognizing singularly meritorious action by ordinary soldiers never quite caught on. At the time he issued his Executive Orders on August 7, 1782 he stated: "The order (authorizing the Badge of Military Merit) to be retroactive to the earliest stages of the war, and to be a permanent one." But Washington himself, presented only three, and the award faded into obscurity. Even as the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps of the young United States became more professional, the reluctance to recognize military men with medals ran deep.

The practice of wearing medals was far too reminiscent of European aristocracy, and the people of the United States had taken great steps to build their nation far from the European model. In 1847 the American military found itself committed to combat in the Mexican-American War. During that brief action a "certificate of merit" was created to recognize those soldiers who distinguished themselves in action. But the certificate of merit was just that, a certificate that existed more in terms of a voucher that often brought a small payment to the soldier but no lasting recognition or visible medal. Not until the Civil War was any consideration given to awarding a medal itself. Early in the Civil War a medal of honor was proposed in Congress to "promote efficiency in the Navy." Approved in 1861, the new Medal of Honor would only be awarded to enlisted sailors and petty officers, and was not approved for award to commissioned officers until more than 50 years later. The following summer the Army established its own Medal of Honor in legislation signed by President Lincoln on July 12, 1862. Before the war ended, the Army allowed the award of its medal to enlisted men, non-commissioned and commissioned officers who distinguished themselves.

During the Civil War more than 2,000 Medals of Honor were awarded to United States soldiers ranging in rank from private to general. (Later, in 1917, some 900 of these awards were rescinded.) The Navy awarded its Medal of Honor to 308 enlisted sailors, and 17 enlisted Marines. (You can read more specific information and chronology of the Medal of Honor HERE !) In similar fashion to General Washington's original plan for awarding the Badge of Military Merit, the Medal of Honor was presented by an accompanying certificate, now called a "citation", setting forth the actions for which it was presented. An honor roll was also subsequently established to record each recipient's name and unit for future generations. From the end of the Civil War through World War I, the Medal of Honor was the ONLY medal that could be earned by members of the United States Army, Navy, Marines or Coast Guard. For this reason Medals of Honor were often awarded in situations that, though meritorious, did not warrant such an award. As a result, a review of Medal of Honor awards in 1917 led to the rescinding of 910 previous awards.

More importantly, it led to the creation of "lesser awards" for actions that did not merit the Medal of Honor but were worthy of recognition. These new medals including the Distinguished Service Cross (and shortly thereafter the Navy Cross) and the Silver Star, were arranged in an order of PRECEDENCE . At the top of this order of precedence was, of course, the Medal of Honor. Awards of the Medal of Honor in the late 1800's, many of them to Civil War veterans for service almost half a century earlier, began to draw attention. For the first time American military veterans began to not only accept military medals as an American tradition, but to covet them as well. The establishment of the Pyramid of Honor seemed to open a floodgate that, in the 50 years following would create an array of medals for valor, medals for service, and campaign ribbons that would be difficult to keep up with. In the process, our Nation's first military medal began to get a second look.

The Purple Heart Medal The award we have come to recognize as the Purple Heart actually found its roots not so much in the desire to create a new medal for military men to wear, as it was in the desire to honor a great American hero of the past. George Washington was born on February 22, 1732. Nearly 200 years later the American public was preparing for the bi-centennial of his birth, complete with commemorative events and celebrations. In the process of researching the life of the Father of our Country in order to plan the celebration, General Washington's Executive Order of August 7, 1782 was found. Along with it was the record of his purple Badge of Military Merit and the accounts of the three men who had received it. On October 10, 1927 Army Chief of Staff, General Charles P. Summerall drafted a bill to send to Congress in an effort to revive the Badge of Military Merit. For whatever reasons, the bill received little support and was withdrawn early the following year.

As the bi-centennial celebration drew closer, General Summerall was replaced by General Douglas MacArthur, a hero of service in Mexico and World War I, and the son of a Civil War Medal of Honor recipient. With little public fanfare, General MacArthur began work anew on General Summerall's proposal to re-establish the Badge of Military Merit. Throughout 1931 the Army quietly designed and created the new award. It was announced on February 22, 1932...the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth. In honor of the Father of our Country and the man who established our military's first medal, the Purple Heart would bear the profile on George Washington on its face. The Army quickly embraced the new medal, authorizing its presentation to any soldier whose "wound...necessitates treatment by a medical officer and which is received in action with an enemy." The award itself was made retro-active, allowing World War I Army veterans who had been wounded in action to exchange previously received Meritorious Service Citation Certificates for the new Purple Heart Medal. In the early days of World War II, soldiers received the Purple Heart not only for wounds, but also in some circumstances, for meritorious service.

The Navy was not so quick to accept the Medal, and not until a year after Pearl Harbor was it authorized for sailors and Marines. On December 3, 1942 President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued an Executive Order authorizing the Purple Heart to sailors and Marines wounded or killed on or after December 6, 1941. This made all those injured or killed at Pearl Harbor eligible for the Purple Heart. At the same time he established the Legion of Merit medal for meritorious service, restricting the Purple Heart for award only to those killed or wounded in combat. Later, President Truman extended the time period for the award back to April 5, 1917, allowing Naval and Marine Corps veterans of World War I to receive the award. Today the Purple Heart is perhaps, the most unique of all United States military awards. Though low in the order of precedence on the Pyramid of Honor (it ranks below the Bronze star), it is one of the most widely recognized and respected medals. It can not be earned by courage or by exceptional service or achievement. The Purple Heart signifies one thing...SACRIFICE. Whenever you see the Purple Heart, know that it represents either a combat death or a combat wound.

It represents the blood that has been shed in defense of liberty. The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of an Armed force who, while serving with the U.S. Armed Services after 5 April 1917, has been wounded or killed, or who has died or may hereafter die after being wounded. A wound for which the award is made must have required treatment by a medical officer.

Criteria: For wounds or death sustained in 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 28 March 1973, as a result of an international terrorist attack against the United States by a foreign nation friendly to the United States, recognized as such an attack by the Secretary of the department concerned, or jointly by Secretaries of the departments concerned if persons from more than one department are wounded in the attack; or After 28 March 1973, as a result of military operations, while serving outside the territory of the United States as part of a peacekeeping force. After 7 December 1941, by weapon fire while directly engaged in armed conflict, regardless of the fire causing the wound (friendly fire). While held as a prisoner of war or while being taken captive.

It has not been uncommon in time of war, for soldiers to be wounded more than one time. (Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient Robert Howard was wounded 14 times in 54 months of combat duty, for a total of 9 awards of the Purple Heart.) As with other military awards, subsequent awards of the Purple Heart are designated by the addition of one oak leaf cluster for each additional award. The Military Order of the Purple Heart is the only organization chartered by Congress to represent the military veterans who have been awarded the Purple Heart. You can click on their logo above or to visit their website. (EXTERNAL LINK) A Symbol of Sacrifice For a complete list of all Military Medals for All Branches of Service, Click on the icon below. National Purple Heart Hall of Honor Contact Us History The award known as the Purple Heart has a history that reaches back to the waning days of the American Revolution. The Continental Congress had forbidden General George Washington from granting commissions and promotions in rank to recognize merit. Yet Washington wanted to honor merit, particularly among the enlisted soldiers. On August 7, 1782, his general orders established the Badge of Military Merit: "...

The General ever desirous to cherish virtuous ambition in his soldiers, as well as to foster and encourage every species of Military merit directs whenever any singularly meritorious action is performed, the author of it shall be permitted to wear on his facings, over his left breast, the figure of a heart in purple cloth or silk edged with narrow lace or binding." This award was open only to enlisted men and granted them the distinction of being permitted to pass all guards and sentinels as could commissioned-officers. The names of the recipients were to have been kept in a "Book of Merit" (which has never been recovered). At the present time there are three known recipients of the Badge of Military Merit: Sergeant Elijah Churchill, 2nd Continental Dragoons; Sergeant William Brown, 5th and Sergeant Daniel Bissel, 2nd Connecticut Continental Line Infantry. Washington stated that the award was to be a permanent one, but once the Revolution ended, the Badge of Merit was all but forgotten until the 20th century.

General John J."Blackjack" Pershing suggested a need for an award for merit in 1918, but it was not until 1932 that the Purple Heart was created in recognition of Washington's ideals and for the bicentennial of his birth. General Order #3 announced the establishment of the award: "...By order of the President of the United States, the Purple Heart, established by General George Washington at Newburgh, August 7, 1782, during the War of the Revolution is hereby revived out of respect to his memory and military achievements. By order of the Secretary of War: Douglas MacArthur General, Chief of Staff On May 28, 1932, 137 World War I veterans were conferred their Purple Hearts at Temple Hill, in New Windsor, NY. Temple Hill was the site of the New Windsor Cantonment, which was the final encampment of the Continental Army in the winter of 1782-1783. Today,the National Purple Heart continues the tradition begun here in 1932, of honoring those who have earned the Purple Heart. The Purple Heart has undergone many changes with respect to the criteria for being awarded.

At first, the Purple Heart was exclusively awarded to Army and Army Air Corps personnel and could not be awarded posthumously to the next of kin. In 1942, President Franklin Roosevelt signed an executive order allowing the Navy to award the Purple Heart to Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guard personnel. Also in that year, the Purple Heart was made available for posthumous award to any member of the military killed on or after December 7, 1941. Originally the Purple Heart was awarded for meritorious service. Being wounded was considered to be one type of merit. With the creation of the Legion of Merit in 1942, the award of the Purple Heart for meritorious service became unnecessary and was therefore discontinued. The Purple Heart, per regulation is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Services after April 5, 1917 has been wounded, killed, or has died after being wounded.

Purple Heart Timeline General Order #3, signed by General Douglas MacArthur creates the modern Purple Heart December 3, 1942 Executive Order 9277 by President Roosevelt authorizes the Purple Heart for all branches of service and authorizes posthumous awards, back dated to 6 December 1941. November 12, 1952 Executive Order 10409 authorized posthumous Purple Heart awards to Navy, Coast Guard or Marine Corps personnel killed on or after April 5, 1917. (The Army and the Air Force are not formally included until 1962) April 25, 1962 Executive Order 11016 authorized civilian Purple Hearts for those under competent military authority; it also authorized posthumous awards to those killed on or after April 5, 1917 upon application by their next of kin. February 23, 1984 Executive Order 12464 authorized the Purple Heart to be awarded for acts of terror as well as for wounds or death resulting from US Armed Forces personnel acting as part of a peacekeeping force outside of the United States or its territories.

November 30, 1993 Purple Hearts may be awarded for wounds or death resulting from “friendly fire” (unless it from willful misconduct).US Code 10 section 1129, per PL 103-160 February 10, 1996 PL 104-106 Section 521 expands Purple Heart eligibility to POWs wounded during capture or during captivity prior to April 25, 1962. (Policy interpretations had considered, and awarded the Purple Heart, on case by case bases to POWs captured after April 25, 1962) May 19, 1998 Effective this date, the Purple Heart is limited to American military personnel, and civilian awards are eliminated. October 1, 2008 The Department of Defense authorizes the Purple Heart for POWs (after December 7, 1941) who subsequently die in captivity.

Information is from the Memo this date to secretaries of the military departments April 28, 2011 The Department of Defense announces a standard which allows for a more standard way to evaluate a wounded individual for a Purple Heart resulting from a "non-penetrating wound". February 6, 2015 The Department of Defense announces that eligibility has been extended to those wounded or killed by certain kinds domestic terrorist activities. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor 374 Temple Hill Road Revolutionary War - Medals and Awards Medals and Awards of The Revolution by Donald N. Moran Editor's Note: Published by Permission From the SAR Headquarters Dispatch The “GI Joe” and officers alike who served in the Revolutionary War were recognized for their valor with a variety of special decorations, as revealed in this enlightening account by Compatriot Donald Norman Moran. It is not surprising that the first awards for valor presented to the common soldier were presented here in America. It had been a European practice to honor high-ranking officers who achieved a victory, but the thought of presenting medals or badges to the common soldier for courage or extraordinary service never occurred to the aristocracy.

Three New York militiamen were patrolling north of Tarrytown in an attempt to intercept Tories driving cattle to the British in New York. They were John Paulding (1), Isaac Van Wart (2) and David Williams (3). These three captured Major John Andre, Deputy Adjutant General of the British Forces in New York, who was returning from a clandestine meeting with Benedict Arnold. Andre tried every possible method to convince the Americans that he was on official business and then attempted to bribe them. During Andre's trial, the amount of the bribe was mentioned as being 1,000 guineas (approximately $5,000 in hard currency). The militiamen refused the offer and turned him over to the authorities. Major Andre was tried, convicted of spying and was hanged at Tappen, New York. Best describing the patriotism of these three Americans is the inscription on the monument dedicated on June 11th, 1829 in the Presbyterian Cemetery at Greenburgh, New York to Isaac Van Wart: "Fidelity.

On the 23d of September 1780, Isaac Van Wart, accompanied by John Paulding and David Williams, all farmers of the county of West Chester, intercepted Major Andre, on his return from the American Lines in the character of a spy, and, notwithstanding the large bribes offered them for his release, nobly disdained to sacrifice their Country for gold, secured and carried him to the Commanding Officer of the district, whereby the dangerous and traitorous conspiracy of Arnold was brought to light, the insidious designs of the enemy baffled, the American Army saved, and our beloved country free." The medals (4) and copies of the Congressional resolution were presented in an impressive ceremony at the Army's headquarters by General Washington. The Commander-in-Chief also presented each of the trio with a brace of silver-mounted pistols. As far as is known, this was the first time a common soldier was awarded a medal! However, it should be noted that this medal commemorated a specific event, and was never intended to be a general award for valor or service. TWO NEW AWARDS ESTABLISHED Two years later, on August 7th, 1782, General George Washington issued orders establishing two decorations.

He had long recognized the need to award those soldiers who distinguished themselves in honorable service and in combat. To that end he created these awards. As far as is known, these were the first decorations awarded to the common soldier on a regular basis. The first was the "BADGE OF DISTINCTION" and consisted of a strip of white cloth sewn above the left cuff of the soldier's regimental coat. The soldier received one strip for each three years of service. Today, 212 years later, this tradition is still practiced in the United States Armed Forces. We know them as hash marks. The second award, “THE MILITARY BADGE OF MERIT”, was created to reward both soldiers and officers for “Singularly meritorious service, instances of unusual gallantry and extraordinary fidelity and faithful service”. General George Washington designed the award personally, specifying that it be “the figure of a heart in purple cloth, or silk, edged with narrow lace or binding”. It was worn on the left breast.

Those soldiers so decorated would have their names entered in the army's special "Book of Merit" (5) and soldiers wearing this decoration, regardless of rank, were permitted to pass all sentinels and receive salutes as if they were officers. In today's military, such honors are reserved for the famed Medal of Honor. Eight months after the Badge of Merit was authorized, not a single one had been presented. Most of the officers asked about this explained that they had been too busy to write up the recommendations. It goes without saying that General Washington refused to accept their excuses. A week later, April 17th, a specially created Board of Officers convened at the New Windsor Encampment and selected two enlisted soldiers of the Connecticut Continental Line to be the first recipients. These were the first decorations awarded to the common soldiers. The first recipient of the Badge of Merit was Sergeant Elijah Churchill of the 2nd Regiment of Light Dragoons and the second selected was Sergeant William Brown of the Fifth Regiment of Foot. The award ceremony took place on May 3rd, 1783 at Washington's Headquarters at Newburgh, with the 1st New York Regiment, the Commander-in-Chief Guard and other units in attendance.

This presentation is beautifully illustrated by H. Charles McBarron's 1974 painting shown below. SERGEANT DANIEL BISSELL RECOGNIZED The Board met a second time and awarded the Badge to Sergeant Daniel Bissell. The official record of his being honored is intentionally vague: " Sergeant Bissell of the 2d Connecticut Regt. having performed some important services within the immediate knowledge of the Commander-in-Chief in which the fidelity, perseverance and good sense of said Segt. Bissell were conspicuously manifested, it is therefore ordered that he be honored with the Badge of Merit". After the war, when possible retaliation was no longer a threat, the full and incredible story of Sergeant Bissell's exploits was made known. He had volunteered to spy on the British Army in New York City. In August of 1781, when Washington was seriously considering an attack on the city, Sergeant Bissell, then 28 years old, dressed in civilian clothes and slipped into the city. After nearly a year, and now in the service of Benedict Arnold's Loyalist Regiment, he slipped away and was promptly captured by the American forces surrounding the city.

In chains he was taken to Newburgh where General Washington personally vouched for him. From memory he drew maps of all of the fortifications and troop deployment on Manhattan and Staten Island — information vital to Washington. The reason for the deliberate vagueness in his citation was the possibility of his being captured by the British; written evidence of his having been a spy would surely gain him the hangman's noose. Sergeant Bissell left the army and moved to Richmond, New York where he lived out his life. His tombstone in Allen's Hill Cemetery near Canandaigua, New York, reads: "In the memory of Daniel Bissell - Died August 5, 1824, Aged 79 years — He had the confidence of Washington and Served under him". SERGEANT WILLIAM BROWN WINS BADGE Sergeant Brown won his Badge of Merit at Yorktown; he was of the 5th Regiment of Foot, Connecticut Continental Line. In the late night attack on British redoubt Number 10, he led the "Forlorn Hope". This group of volunteers was comprised of Sappers and Pioneers, armed with their traditional military weapons and heavy axes.

Their suicidal assignment was to move in advance of the attacking force and chop a hole in the abatis (sharpened stakes pointing away from the fortifications designed to keep attackers from scaling the walls of the redoubt (the Revolutionary War equivalent of barbed wire). Their title, "Forlorn Hope", was most appropriate as none of the members expected to survive the attack. When Sergeant Brown's detachment arrived at the British fortification, Brown decided to push ahead of his men, climb over the abatis and attack the enemy in the redoubt with his unloaded musket and bayonet. The American infantry followed his lead and the redoubt fell with a minimum of American casualties. There is also reason to believe that he was presented a bronze plaque commemorating his gallantry, but that is strictly family tradition. Sergeant Brown, as adventurous as ever, moved to the frontier and finally homesteaded a farm near present day Cincinnati. He lived there until his death in 1808. SERGEANT ELIJAH CHURCHILL'S EXPLOITS Sergeant Churchill, 2nd Continental Light Dragoons, earned his Badge of Merit by leading two incredible raids.

The first was against Fort George on Long Island, an important British supply depot. Fort George was defended by three wooden block houses, linked together by a substantial, 12-foot-high log stockade all surrounded by a deep ditch filled with sharpened stakes (abatis). On November 23rd, 1780 at 4:00 a.m. under the command of Major Benjamin Tallmadge, Sergeant Churchill led a charge against the main block house and fort gates. Completely surprised, the fort fell within minutes. Three hundred tons of hay for the British horses were destroyed and 54 British regulars were captured. Sergeant Churchill then fought a rear guard action with his detachment and allowed the main raiding party to escape. He and his men safely followed. The second raid was on October 10th, 1781. While General Washington and the main army were besieging Lord Charles Cornwallis at Yorktown, Major Lemuel Trescott led a 150-man raid against the British Fort Slongo at Treadwell's Neck, also on Long Island. Sergeant Churchill was the senior non-commissioned officer.

He and his fellow Connecticut Light Dragoons wreaked havoc on the British fort. Here again, Elijah Churchill led the surprise attack, storming the fort and capturing the entire garrison. When the American forces returned to the mainland, they brought numerous prisoners and a great deal of military stores with them. This and the other raids helped to convince General Sir Henry Clinton, British Commander-in-Chief, not to deplete his own forces in an attempt to rescue Lord Cornwallis trapped in Virginia, or take the offensive in the New York area in hopes of forcing Washington to send part of his army north, thereby taking the pressure off Cornwallis. Cornwallis was abandoned to his fate; that decision sealed the doom of British control over North America. The Certificate that accompanied the Badge of Merit received by Sergeant Churchill has survived. It reads: "Certificate for the Badge of Military Merit granted to Sergeant Churchill, 2d Light Dragoons to Sergeant Brown, 5th Connect. to Sergeant Bissell, 2nd Con. R. [ Connecticut Regiment].

It hath ever been an established maxim in the American Service that the Road to Glory was open to All, that Honorary Rewards and Distinctions were the greatest stimuli to virtuous actions, and that Distinguished Merit should not pass unnoticed or unrewarded; and; whereas a Board of Officers... having reported.... Now, therefore, Know Ye, That the aforesaid Sergeant Elijah Churchill hath faithfully and truly deserved, and hath been properly invested with the Honorary Badge of Military Merit, and is authorized to pass and repass all guards and Military Posts as fully and amply as any commissioned officers whatsoever, and is Hereby further recommended to that favorable Notice which a Brave and Faithful soldier deserves from his Countrymen." In June, peace having been won, the army started to disband. All that remained to be done was the signing of the Treaty of Paris. Sergeant Churchill went home to Chester, Massachusetts to a waiting wife and lived there until his death on April 11th, 1841. WHERE ARE THESE BADGES? What happened to these historic decorations? Sergeant Bissell's Badge of Merit was lost when a fire destroyed his home in July of 1813.

Sergeant Brown's Badge of Merit had been cherished by succeeding generations, but in 1924, his descendant, Bishop Paul Matthews of the Diocese of New Jersey reported it had disappeared (stolen?) from his home in Princeton. It was never recovered. H. E. Johnson of Michigan, a great grandson of Sergeant Elijah Churchill had carefully preserved his ancestor's Badge of Merit. He contacted the National Temple Hill Association, which was restoring the New Windsor Cantonment, and offered them the badge for display in their planned museum. It was accepted and is now displayed in their museum and depicted herein courtesy of E. Jane Townsend of the New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site, Palisade Region, New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. As mentioned above, the Badge of Military Merit was awarded for actions "above and beyond" and is often compared to the present day "Purple Heart Medal". The Purple Heart takes its physical design from the Revolutionary War; it was established on the bicentennial of George Washington's birth, February 22, 1932. However, the Badge of Military Merit is best compared to today's Medal of Honor. The exploits of these three recipients underscore that comparison.

It has always been a practice of all levels of governments to award their heroes. In Europe various "orders of Chivalry" have existed since ancient times. In the 18th century those awards still existed, but generally were reserved for the aristocracy. For the lesser known, the most common were of a promotional or monetary nature; decorative swords were favored and braces of pistols were commonplace. There is evidence that some of our senior officers who were recipients of such awards, including General Washington, often bestowed these honors on a subordinate. On at least 11 occasions the Continental Congress authorized and had made medals that have come to be known as "Congressional Medals". These were not worn but were strictly decorative. Benson J. Lossing, the noted 19th century historian of the American Revolution included illustrated narratives on all 11 Congressional Medals. Those engravings are depicted below. LT. COL. FRANCOIS LOUIS TEISEDRE DE FLEURY Lt. Col. Fleury (1749- ?) was one of the valiant French volunteers who arrived here shortly after the war started.

He served the American cause well and on September 13th, 1777 he was the subject of a Congressional Resolution praising him for his gallantry during the Battle of Brandywine and giving him a horse to replace the one that was shot out from under him. He was one of the three officers honored with Congressional Medals for their extraordinary conduct at the Battle of Stony Point. He returned to France shortly thereafter. His medal has as a devise a helmeted soldier standing against a destroyed fort. In his right hand he holds a sword, and in his left hand he holds a flag. The legend reads: "Virtutis Et Audaclae Monum Et Praemium. D. D. Fleury Equiti Gallo Primo Muros Resp. —A memorial and reward of valor and daring. The American Republic has bestowed on Colonel D. de Fleury a native of France, the first over the walls." On the reverse are two three-gun artillery battery, a fort on a hill and in front six ships of the line before the fort. The legend "Pt. Expung. , XI Jul.. MDCCLXXIX.

— Stony Point stormed, 15th of Jul 1779". In April 1850 a medal identical to this one was found by a boy at Princeton, New Jersey. Congress had been in session in Princeton and perhaps the "first" medal was lost. Andre Lasseray in his Les Francais sous les treize etoiles 1775-1783 says that four years later Benjamin Franklin had a medal made by Benjamin Duvivier, of Paris, and sent it to Fleury with a letter dated 15 August 1783. MAJOR GENERAL HORATIO GATES Congress awarded a medal to Major General Horatio Gates for his victory at Saratoga. The front of the medal has a profile of Gates and a legend that reads:" Horatio Gates Duci Strnuo Comitia Americana — The American Congress to Horatio Gates, the valiant leader." On the reverse side, a depiction of British General Burgoyne surrendering his sword to Gates. Behind them is the British army laying down their arms, while the American army watches.

The inscription reads "Salis Regionus Septentrional " — a paraphrased translation: "Safety of the northern region or department" and below the illustration is the inscription "Hoste Ad Saratogam In Dedition, Accepto Die XVII Oct. MDCCLCCVII — Enemy at Saratoga surrendered October 17th, 1777". MAJOR GENERAL NATHANIEL GREENE The medal presented to Major General Nathaneal Greene was for his victory at Eutaw Springs. On the front is a portrait of General Greene, in profile. the legend reads: "Nathanieli Greene Egregio Duci Comitia Americana — The American Congress to Nathaniel Greene, the distinguished leader". On the reverse side is the figure of Victory landing on earth, and stepping upon broken weapons and a shield. The inscription reads: "Salus Regionum Australium — The Safety of the Southern Department," and the exergue reads: "Hostibus Ad Eutaw Debellatis Vlll Sept. MDCCLXXXI — The Foe conquered at Eutaw, 8th of September 1781". LT. COL. JOHN EAGER HOWARD Lt. Col.

Howard (1752-1827) was awarded a Congressional Medal for his heroic actions during the Battle of Cowpens. The medal depicts a mounted officer with sword in hand in pursuit of a fleeing enemy with victory descending in the background. It is inscribed: "John Eager Howard, Legionis Peditum Praefecto ComitiaAmericana—The American Congress to John Eager Howard, Commander of a regiment of Infantry". The reverse is inscribed: " Quod In Nutantem Hostium Aciem Subito Irruens, Praeclarum Bellicae Virtutis Specimen Dedit In Pugna. A.D.

Cowpens, 17th January 1781 — Because, rushing suddenly on the wavering line of the foe, he gave a brilliant specimen of martial courage at the battle of Cowpens, January 17th 1781." COMMODORE JOHN PAUL JONES The front of the Congressional Medal presented to Commodore Jones (1747-1792) has a relief of him, said to be an excellent likeness, and the inscription: " JOHANNI PAULO JONES, CLASSIS PRAEFECTO COMITIA Americana —The American Congress to John Paul Jones, Commander of the Fleet". On the reverse a naval battle is depicted with the words: " Hostium Nauibus Captis Aut Fugatis Ad Orum Scotia XXIII Sept. MDCCLXXVIII — The ships of the enemy having been captured on the coast of Scotland, 23 September 1779". COLONEL HENRY (LIGHT HORSE HARRY) LEE Congress awarded Col. Henry Lee a medal for his victory at Paulus's Hook. On the front of the medal is a profile engraving of Col. Lee.

The legend reads: "Henrico Lee Legionis Equit. Praetec. Comitia Americana —The American Congress to Henry Lee, Colonel of Cavalry”. On the reverse is inscribed within a wreath the legend: “ Non Obstantib Flumunubus Vallis Astutia Virtute Bellica Parva Manu Hostes Vicit Victosq. Arms Humanitate Devinxit In Mem Pugn, Ad Paulus Hook Die XIX Aug. 1779 — Notwithstanding rivers and intrenchments, he with a small band conquered the foe by warlike skill and prowess, and firmly bound by his humanity those who had been conquered by his arms. In memory of the conflict at Paulus Hook, Nineteenth of August 1779". GENERAL DANIEL MORGAN The Congressional medal presented to General Morgan (1736-1802) was for his extraordinary leadership and tactics he employed at the Battle of Cowpens. The victory he attained in that engagement was the precursor of the final battle, Yorktown.

The medal has the following devises and inscriptions: An Indian queen with a quiver on her back, crowning an officer with a laurel wreath; his hand is resting upon his sword. In the background is a variety of military equipment. The inscription reads: "Daniel Morgan. Duce Exercitus Comitia Americana — The American Congress to General Daniel Morgan". On the reverse side: A mounted officer leading his troops in a charge against a fleeing enemy. In the foreground, hand-to-hand combat between a dismounted dragoon and a foot soldier. In the background a fierce battle. The inscription reads: "Victoria Libertatis Vindex —Victory, the protector of Liberty". On the bottom: "Fugatis, Caper Aut Caesis Ad Cowpens, Hostibus, 17th January 1781 — The foe put to flight, taken or slain, at Cowpens, January 17th, 1781". MAJOR JOHN STEWART On the front is an Indian Princess (representing America ) presenting a palm branch to Major Stewart. Her left hand is resting on the American Shield.

The legend reads: "Joanni Stewart Cohortis Praefecto, Comitia Americana — The American Congress to Major John Stewart". On the reverse side is a fortress. In the foreground an American Officer cheering on his men who are following him over the enemy's abatis. The inscription reads: " Stony Point Oppugnatu, XV Jul. MDCCLXXIX — Stony Point attacked 15th of July 1779". Major Stewart was one of the key officers in the attack on Stony Point and was awarded this medal for said gallantry. GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON The medal presented to General Washington was for his victory over the British in Boston. The front of the medal depicts General Washington, in profile, and the legend says: "Georgio Washington, Supremo Duct Exercituum Adsertori Libertatis Comitia Americana — The American Congress to George Washington, Commander-in-Chief of its armies, the assertors of freedom". On the reverse: A mounted George Washington and his staff overseeing the British evacuating Boston while the American troops enter the city. The legend says: " Hostibus Primo Fugatis — The enemy for the first time put to flight".

The exergue under the devise reads: "Bostonium Recuperavium XVII MARTH MDCCLXXVI — Boston recovered, 17th March 1776". COLONEL WILLIAM WASHINGTON Col. Washington (1752-1810) was awarded a Congressional Medal for his gallantry in leading a decisive cavalry action at the Battle of Cowpens. The medal is inscribed: "Gulielmo Washington Legionis Equitum Praefecto Comitiaamericana — The American Congress to William Washington, Commander of a regiment of Cavalry." On the reverse side: "Quod Parva Militum Manu Irenue Prosecutus Hostes Vitrutis Ingenitae Praeclarum Specimen Dedit In Pugna A.D. Cowpens, 17th January 1781 — Because, having vigorously pursued the foe with a small band of soldiers, he gave a brilliant specimen of innate valor in the battle of Cowpens, 17 January 1781". MAJOR GENERAL (MAD) ANTHONY WAYNE The medal awarded to Major General Anthony Wayne was for his victory at Stony Point.

On the front side of the medal is the representation of a crowned Indian Queen, with a quiver on her back, and wearing a short feather apron making two presentations to General Wayne. With her right hand she is presenting him a wreath of victory; in her left hand a mural crown. Over the figures is the legend: "Antonio Wayne Duci Exercitus" and beneath "Comitia Americana — The American Congress to General Anthony Wayne". On the reverse of the medal is a depiction of the fort on Stony Point. It shows the troops storming the fortification. The inscription reads: "Stony Point Expugnatum , XV, Jul. MDCCLXXIX — Stony Point captured July 15, 1779". FOOTNOTES: (1)John Paulding was born on October 16, 1742. He had been captured by the British and escaped just prior to the Andre capture. It was recorded that he was wearing a Hessian coat at the time, hence could have led to Major Andre's being caught off guard. Paulding died on February 18, 1818 and was buried with full military honors at St.

Peter's Church near Peekskill, New York. A 13-foot-tall monument was erected on the site in 1827. (2) lsaac van Wart (1760-1828). He died on May 23, 1828 and was buried with full military honors at the Presbyterian Cemetery at Greenburgh, New York, near Tarrytown. A monument was erected on the site in 1819 by the citizens of Westchester County. (3) David Williams was born in Tarrytown, New York on October 21, 1754. He enlisted in the army in 1775 and served under General Montgomery at St. John's and Quebec. He continued in the militia until 1779. He was not in the regular service when he helped capture Major Andre. He died in Broome on August 2, 1831 and was buried at Livingstonville, New York. (4) Two of these medals are displayed by the New York Historical Society. (5)The "Book of Merit" has never been found.

Common Myths About The Purple Heart Medal The information on this website is in the public domain. No permission is required to quote, use, distribute or republish. Common Myths About The Purple Heart Medal (This Information Site is Continually Updated.) The PH medal can be awarded to anyone who is hurt in a war zone. Not true. The PH medal can legally be authorized to only three groups of personnel: One, those wounded or injured as a direct result of hostile enemy action. Second, those wounded or injured as a direct result of friendly fire (FF). (Broadly speaking, FF occurs only during a hostile encounter or initiative with, or in response to, an enemy when someone on your side mistakes you for the enemy.) Or when injured by your own non-projectile weapon (bayonet, sword, blunt instrument, etc.) or projectile weapons fire (bullet, explosive device, etc) while engaging, responding to or attacking an enemy. And third, POWs injured or wounded as a result of individually directed conflict or punishment with their captor in violation of any article of the Geneva Convention Rules of Warfare Concerning the Treatment of Prisoners of War whether or not the captor's government is a signatory to the Convention.

All POWs are eligible for the PH. Not true. See Option Three in the above regulation. The type of wound/injury or degree of wound/injury is used as a factor in authorizing the PH. Not true. The amount/level/degree of a persons wound or injury is never a factor. When establishing the PH General George Washington made it absolutely clear that awarding/authorizing officers were not permitted to make personal judgments based on how more or less serious a wound or injury appeared, and that being wounded in combat -- by any degree -- was a true distinction of "military merit". Since General Washington's original decision no president, military or Congressional authority has found it necessary to change the PH's issue regulation policy . (See Also, Footnote 1 ; And the U.S. Army's history of the Purple Heart: .) A non-blood loss injury such as TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) caused by IED concussion merits the Purple Heart. True. Any enemy inflicted wound, whether or not there is observable blood loss, merits the Purple Heart.

(Invisible) brain injury caused by an enemy-inflicted concussion or blow, such as an IED explosin, that renders the serviceperson even temporarily incapacitated is a wound even though brain trauma is not is not immediately visible to the eye. Battlefield medics can, however, conduct a simple eye exam using a flashlight to determine optical (pupil dialation) response. Pupils that do not contract in response to light stimulus is indicative of a temporary or permanent brain injury/wound. More extensive brain injury/wound tests can be conducted by base hospital personnel. A person who accidentally shoots himself or is shot by a unit member while cleaning a weapon in a war zone can receive the PH. Not true. Accidental shootings that do not involve an engagement with an enemy are workplace accidents. Commanders (officer or enlisted) that are wounded or injured by subordinates or superiors (whether or not military weapons are used) in incidents commonly referred to as "fragging" are eligible for the PH. Not true. "Fraggings" are criminal incidents. They are neither enemy nor friendly fire related even if the motivation for the 'fragging' was due to a real-time or previous enemy-related situation.

Injuries that don't break the skin or cause bleeding are not eligible for the PH. Not true. Any non-bleeding enemy inflicted or friendly fire wound or injury, such as electrical, gas, concussion, suffocation, etc., are PH-eligible. The PH cannot be awarded posthumously or after discharge from military service. Not true. The majority of (but not necessarily all) combat deaths are automatically awarded the PH. Enemy or FF injured/wounded veterans who did not receive the PH prior to their discharge may, if eligible, successfully petition their service department's Awards Branch for post-service award to a discharged veteran. The Military Records Center can only issue authorization for awards that were negligently not recorded on the Report of Separation, or those awards "automatically" authorized by 'class-action' to a specified classification of personnel via Executive Order (such as the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal(s), etc. (See URL: http:/ ). Please note that the each of the four (five during wartime) Service Branches (USA, USAF, USCG, USMC, USN) have their own Awards Branch. The Awards Branch is the ONLY legal agency that can authorize a post-service military award.

Only in specific cases of a previously rejected application or recommendation can a Review Board authorize a post-service medal to a discharged veteran. A serviceperson can "put themself in" for the PH. Not true. There is only one medal in the United States military inventory that allows a serviceperson to recommend him/herself. That medal is the Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal . No serviceperson can recommend themself (now or any time in the past) for the PH or any other medal. An injured/wounded person does not have to be seen by a doctor or medic to be eligible for the PH. Not true. Other than being wounded or injured by enemy or friendly fire, the serviceperson's wound/injury must be treated by a military or military certified medical person at the time or shortly after injury. "Shortly" is defined as the first possible OR available opportunity while currently assigned in the war theater. A serviceperson can author his/her own After Action report that can be used solely as a basis for awarding a PH or other medal. Not true. A written or oral After Action report must either be personally authored OR personally verified/approved by the senior military person on the scene at the time of the incident.

If the recipient was the most senior ranking person on the scene the awarding officer must ascertain confirmation from all other personnel (regardless of their rank) on the scene at the time of occurrence. A citation is always written for PH awards. Not true. Citations are very rarely written for PH awards. A display certificate is always issued for PH awards. Not true. Although Display Certificates are authorized, the military has never been obligated/required by Congress to issue a display certificate. Neither is the PH recipient due a display certificate. Display certificates issued to active duty personnel occurs only when the local command possesses certificates to issue. (Prior to 1995 the government was not required to issue a full-sized medal.) The only military display certificate required by Congress for mandatory issue is Medal of Honor. (For info on the PH replacement recognition, see this page: ) The government maintains a list of all PH recipients. Not true. The only military medal list authorized/budgeted by Congress is Medal of Honor. The only service branch that maintains a "tape" of its PH recipients is the Marine Corps (due to the small size of the Corps).

However, Marine Corps 'tapes' of PH recipients is neither required by Congress to be publicly accessible nor utilizable to confirm authorization or award eligibility.) Marine Corps 'tapes' are used solely for internal audit purposes. The Army, Air Forces, Navy and Coast Guard does not maintain a historic list of its PH recipients. The federal government must replace lost or stolen PH medals. Not true. Military medals are issued only one time. If a PH medal was never issued ONLY the recipient or a direct family member [if the recipient is infirm or deceased] may apply for a first-time issue. Replacement medals can by purchased from any military medal retailer. Only those replacement medals sold by retailers that meet official United States government specifications may/must state on their packaging that they are "Official" medals. The only "Official" PH medals are those issued by the government. Not true. The only metallic entity manufactured by the United States government for public distribution are currency coins. Military medals, like military weapons and other military equipment, are manufactured by private industry. See the above reference for information on the 'officiality' of U.S. military medals. Any family member may request a medal replacement. Not true.

Military medals and information from veteran's military files can legally be requested only from the following individuals that are related to active military personnel (this includes Reservists and Guardspeople) and veterans: Parents, siblings, children. However, under the Freedom of Information Act other relatives are not completely excluded from applying for information if there are no other living relatives in the above-listed category (parents, siblings, children.) My Representative or Senator can get me the medal or record information I want... and get them faster than I can. Not true. (House of) Representatives and Senators should not be asked to assist in obtaining record information or medals unless their assistance is absolutely necessary in cases of disputes, irregularity, discrimination, or lack of response from the Records Center (which very rarely occurs. Although the Records Center in St. Louis MO is perpetually inundated with an overload of requests for medals or information, the Military Records Center has a long history of excellent responsiveness in fulfilling requests just as quickly as its limited budget and manpower availability [during wartime] permits.) Although some elected officials may offer themselves as advocates for record or medal retrieval during re-election seasons, authorized information or medal applicants can apply themselves using form SF-180. See URL: http:/ .

(House of) Representatives and Senators are best utilized for issues that cannot be accomplished after all other efforts have failed. Employers must give hiring preference to PH recipients. Not true. Although many Local, State and Federal agencies do provide bonus job application "points" to employment applicants. There is no federal law requiring private employers to give hiring preference to PH recipients. Employers can demand to see my DD-214 to verify I am a PH recipient. Not true. The only private employers who can ask to look at your DD-214 or Report of Separation are those whose job applications specifically ask you if you served in the military AND/OR if you have a service connected disability, Private employers that do not perform federal contract work may not legally retain a copy of your DD-214 in your employment file. However, private employers whose job applications do not ask if you served in the military are permitted to examine a copy of your DD-214 if you have responded or stated either orally or in your written resume that you served in the military. Anyone can possess a PH medal or PH certificate. True.

However, it is a punishable federal offense to possess any military medal or medal certificate that you fraudulently claim you are the official recipient of. Anyone who falsely misrepresents or claims they are the legal recipient of a United States or foreign military medal or certificate is subject to severe prosecution and penalty. Family members and collectors may legally possess military medals and certificates authorized or awarded to legal recipients. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is authorized by Congress to investigate any case of military medal misrepresentation. The United States Attorneys Office under the United States Justice Department is authorized by Congress to prosecute cases of military medal defalcation to the fullest extent of current law. All military medals are issued with the name of the recipient engraved on the back of the medal. Not true. Only in very rare cases are medals officially issued with the engraved name of the recipient. However, recipients and family members are authorized to have medals engraved with the name of the legally authorized recipient. Medals currently issued by the Military Records Center and military units are not engraved except in very rare instances. Medal applicants may not, repeat not, request an engraved medal from the Records Center or any military branch.

Engraving, when done, is done only rarely by those military commands that both possess engraving equipment and available personnel to perform the task. A "V" for Valor can be awarded with a PH medal. Not true. If I find a PH medal that medal now belongs to me. Not true. Lost medals (or any other military item) remains the permanent property of the United States government. Found items should be mailed along with a letter identifying the finder and the location where the item was found to the following address: The Secretary of Defense Footnote 1. a. The original Purple Heart, designated as the Badge of Military Merit, was established by General George Washington by order from his headquarters at Newburgh, New York, August 7, 1782. The writings of General Washington quoted in part: "The General ever desirous to cherish a virtuous ambition in his soldiers, as well as to foster and encourage every species of Military Merit, directs that whenever any singularly meritorious action is performed, the author of it shall be permitted to wear on his facings over the left breast, the figure of a heart in purple cloth or silk, edged with narrow lace or binding.

Not only instances of unusual gallantry, but also of extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way shall meet with a due reward". b. So far as the known surviving records show, this honor badge was granted to only three men, all of them noncommissioned officers: Sergeant Daniel Bissell of the 2d Connecticut Regiment of the Continental Line; Sergeant William Brown of the 5th Connecticut Regiment of the Continental Line, and Sergeant Elijah Churchill of the 2d Continental Dragoons, which was also a Connecticut Regiment. The original Purple Heart depicted on the first page is a copy of the badge awarded to Sergeant Elijah Churchill and is now owned by the New Windsor Cantonment, National Temple Hill Association, PO Box 525, Vails Gate, NY 12584. The only other known original badge is the badge awarded to Sergeant William Brown and is in the possession of The Society of the Cincinnati, New Hampshire Branch but differs in design by not having any lettering embroidered on the heart and the leaves are at the top only with a larger spray of leaves at the base. c. Subsequent to the Revolution, the Order of the Purple Heart had fallen into disuse and no further awards were made.

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. d. During the early period of World War II (7 Dec 41 to 22 Sep 43), the Purple Heart was awarded both for wounds received in action against the enemy and for meritorious performance of duty. With the establishment of the Legion of Merit, by an Act of Congress, the practice of awarding the Purple Heart for meritorious service was discontinued. By Executive Order 9277, dated 3 December 1942, the decoration was extended to be applicable to all services and the order required that regulations of the Services be uniform in application as far as practicable.

This executive order also authorized award only for wounds received. e. Executive Order 10409, dated 12 February 1952, revised authorizations to include the Service Secretaries subject to approval of the Secretary of Defense. Executive Order 11016, dated 25 April 1962, included provisions for posthumous award of the Purple Heart. Executive Order 12464, dated 23 February 1984, authorized award of the Purple Heart as a result of terrorist attacks or while serving as part of a peacekeeping force subsequent to 28 March 1973. f. The Senate approved an amendment to the 1985 Defense Authorization Bill on 13 June 1985, which changed the precedent from immediately above the Good Conduct Medal to immediately above the Meritorious Service Medals. Public Law 99-145 authorized the award for wounds received as a result of "friendly fire". Public Law 104-106 expanded the eligibility date, authorizing award of the Purple Heart to a former prisoner of war who was wounded before 25 April 1962. g.

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year1998 (Public Law 105-85) changed the criteria to delete authorization for award of the Purple Heart Medal to any civilian national of the United States while serving under competent authority in any capacity with the Armed Forces. This change was effective 18 May 1998. h. Order of precedence and wear of decorations is contained in Army Regulation 670-1. Policy for awards, approving authority, supply, and issue of decorations is contained in AR 600-8-22. Contact Person for this posting: Roger Simpson, PIO Public Information Office: The American War Library: 14817-C Chadron Avenue

Question: Whose figure is depicted on the American award 'The Purple Heart'?
Answer: GEORGE WASHINGTON