Purple Heart | Military Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia Defense Meritorious Service Medal [2] Purple Heart Ribbon The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military . With its forerunner, the Badge of Military Merit , which took the form of a heart made of purple cloth, the Purple Heart is the oldest military award that is still given to members of the U.S. military, the only earlier award being the obsolete Fidelity Medallion . The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York. Contents Edit The original Purple Heart, designated as the Badge of Military Merit , was established by George Washington —then the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army – by order from his Newburgh, New York headquarters on August 7, 1782. The Badge of Military Merit was only awarded to three Revolutionary War soldiers and from then on as its legend grew, so did its appearance. Although never abolished, the award of the badge was not proposed again officially until after World War I .

[3] [4] On October 10, 1927, Army Chief of Staff General Charles Pelot Summerall directed that a draft bill be sent to Congress "to revive the Badge of Military Merit". The bill was withdrawn and action on the case ceased on January 3, 1928, but the office of the Adjutant General was instructed to file all materials collected for possible future use. A number of private interests sought to have the medal reinstituted in the Army. One of these was the board of directors of the Fort Ticonderoga Museum in Ticonderoga, New York . On January 7, 1931, Summerall’s successor, General Douglas MacArthur , confidentially reopened work on a new design, involving the Washington Commission of Fine Arts. This new design was issued on the bicentennial of George Washington's birth. Elizabeth Will, an Army heraldic specialist in the Office of the Quartermaster General , was named to redesign the newly revived medal, which became known as the Purple Heart. Using general specifications provided to her, Will created the design sketch for the present medal of the Purple Heart.

Her obituary, in the February 8, 1975 edition of The Washington Post newspaper, reflects her many contributions to military heraldry. Sign on Interstate 35 designating the Purple Heart Trail. Purple Heart Memorial, Westland, Michigan The Commission of Fine Arts solicited plaster models from three leading sculptors for the medal, selecting that of John R. Sinnock of the Philadelphia Mint in May 1931. By Executive 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 February 22, 1932. The Purple Heart award is a heart -shaped medal within a gold border, 1 3⁄8 inches (35 mm) wide, containing a profile of General George Washington . Above the heart appears a shield of the coat of arms of George Washington (a white shield with two red bars and three red stars in chief) between sprays of green leaves. The reverse consists of a raised bronze heart with the words FOR MILITARY MERIT below the coat of arms and leaves.

The ribbon is 1 and 3⁄8 inches (35 mm) wide and consists of the following stripes: 1⁄8 inch (3 mm) white 67101; 1 1⁄8 inches (29 mm) purple 67115; and 1⁄8 inch (3 mm) white 67101. [3] Devices Additional awards of the Purple Heart are denoted by oak leaf clusters in the Army and Air Force , and additional awards of the Purple Heart Medal are denoted by 5/16 inch stars in the Navy , Marine Corps , and Coast Guard . [2] The criteria were announced in a War Department circular dated February 22, 1932 and authorized award to soldiers, upon their request, who had been awarded the Meritorious Service Citation Certificate , Army Wound Ribbon , or were authorized to wear Wound Chevrons subsequent to April 5, 1917, the day before the United States entered World War I . The first Purple Heart was awarded to MacArthur.

During the early period of American involvement in World War II (December 7, 1941 – September 22, 1943), 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 December 3, 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 the award only for wounds received. AR 600-45, dated September 22, 1943, and May 3, 1944 identify circumstances required to meet in order to be eligible for the Purple Heart for military and civilian personnel during World War II era. Executive Order 10409, dated February 12, 1952, revised authorizations to include the Service Secretaries subject to approval of the Secretary of Defense .

Executive Order 11016, dated April 25, 1962, included provisions for posthumous award of the Purple Heart. Executive Order 12464, dated February 23, 1984, authorized award of the Purple Heart as a result of terrorist attacks or while serving as part of a peacekeeping force subsequent to March 28, 1973. The Senate approved an amendment to the 1985 Defense Authorization Bill on June 13, 1985 which changed the precedence 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 April 25, 1962.

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 (Public Law 105-85) changed the criteria to delete authorization for award of the Purple Heart to any civilian national of the United States while serving under competent authority in any capacity with the Armed Forces. This change was effective May 18, 1998. [5] During World War II, nearly 500,000 Purple Heart medals were manufactured in anticipation of the estimated casualties resulting from the planned Allied invasion of Japan . To the present date, total combined American military casualties of the sixty-five years following the end of World War II —including the Korean and Vietnam Wars —have not exceeded that number. In 2003, there were still 120,000 of these Purple Heart medals in stock. There are so many in surplus that combat units in Iraq and Afghanistan are able to keep Purple Hearts on-hand for immediate award to wounded soldiers in the field. [6] The "History" section of the November 2009 edition of National Geographic estimated the number of purple hearts given as below. Above the estimates, the text reads, "Any tally of Purple Hearts is an estimate.

Awards are often given during conflict; records aren't always exact" (page 33). [1] Afghanistan War : 7,027 (as of 5 June 2010) Iraq War : 35,321 (as of 5 June 2010) Criteria President Obama awards the Purple Heart to a soldier standing at attention, April 7, 2009 at Camp Victory, Iraq. Admiral Mike Mullen reads the citations for seven soldiers receiving Purple Heart for wounds sustained in Afghanistan. Soldier is awarded the Purple Heart during a ceremony on Coleman Barracks. Man wearing his medal during an anti-Vietnam War peace march, 1967 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 who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Services after April 5, 1917, has been wounded or killed.

Specific examples of services which warrant the Purple Heart include any action against an enemy of the United States; 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; or 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 or a foreign nation friendly to the United States, recognized as such an attack by the Secretary of the Army, or jointly by the Secretaries of the separate armed services concerned if persons from more than one service are wounded in the attack. 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. [7] 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.

A Purple Heart is awarded for the first wound suffered under conditions indicated above, but for each subsequent award an oak leaf cluster is worn in lieu of the medal. Not more than one award will be made for more than one wound or injury received at the same instant. 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 a medical officer 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. The Purple Heart is not awarded for non-combat injuries.

[7] Enemy-related injuries which justify the award of the Purple Heart include injury caused by enemy bullet , shrapnel , or other projectile created by enemy action; injury caused by enemy placed land mine , naval mine , or trap ; injury caused by enemy released chemical, biological, or nuclear agent ; injury caused by vehicle or aircraft accident resulting from enemy fire; concussion injuries caused as a result of enemy generated explosions. Injuries or wounds which do not qualify for award of the Purple Heart include frostbite or trench foot injuries; heat stroke ; food poisoning not caused by enemy agents; chemical, biological, or nuclear agents not released by the enemy; battle fatigue ; disease not directly caused by enemy agents; accidents, to include explosive, aircraft, vehicular, and other accidental wounding not related to or caused by enemy action; self-inflicted wounds (e.g., a soldier accidentally fires their own gun and the bullet strikes his or her leg), except when in the heat of battle, and not involving gross negligence; post-traumatic stress disorders ; [8] and 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. In the case of an individual injured while making a parachute landing from an aircraft that had been brought down by enemy fire; or, an individual injured as a result of a vehicle accident caused by enemy fire, the decision will be made in favor of the individual and the award will be made. As well, individuals wounded or killed as a result of " friendly fire " in the "heat of battle" will be awarded the Purple Heart as long as the "friendly" projectile or agent was released with the full intent of inflicting damage or destroying enemy troops or equipment. Individuals injured as a result of their own negligence, such as by driving or walking through an unauthorized area known to have been mined or placed off limits or searching for or picking up unexploded munitions as war souvenirs, will not be awarded the Purple Heart as they clearly were not injured as a result of enemy action, but rather by their own negligence.

From 1942 to 1997, civilians serving or closely affiliated with the armed forces—as government employees, Red Cross workers, war correspondents and the like—were eligible to receive the Purple Heart. About 100 men and women received the award, the most famous being newspaperman Ernie Pyle , who was awarded a Purple Heart posthumously by the Army after being killed by Japanese machine gun fire in the Pacific Theater near the end of World War II. Before his death, Pyle had seen and experienced combat in the European Theater accompanying and writing about infantrymen for the folks back home. [9] The most recent Purple Hearts presented to civilians occurred after the terrorist attacks at Khobar Towers , Saudi Arabia, in 1996—about 40 U.S. civil service employees received the award for their injuries. In 1997, however, at the urging of the Military Order of the Purple Heart , Congress passed legislation prohibiting future awards of the Purple Heart to civilians. Today, the Purple Heart is only for those men and women in uniform. Civilian employees of the U.S.

Department of Defense who are killed or wounded as a result of hostile action may receive the new Defense of Freedom Medal , created shortly after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 . Presentation Edit Purple Heart Medal with gold 5/16 inch star and lapel button in presentation case. World War II. Current active duty personnel are awarded the Purple Heart upon recommendation from their chain of command, stating the injury that was received and the action in which the service member was wounded. The award authority for the Purple Heart is normally at the level of an Army Brigade , Marine Corps Division , Air Force Wing, or Navy Task Force. While the award of the Purple Heart is considered automatic for all wounds received in combat, each award presentation must still be reviewed to ensure that the wounds received were as a result of enemy action. Modern day Purple Heart presentations are recorded in both hardcopy and electronic service records. The annotation of the Purple Heart is denoted both with the service member's parent command and at the headquarters of the military service department. An original citation and award certificate are presented to the service member and filed in the field service record. U.S. Army Purple Heart Certificate for a soldier wounded during the Korean War.

During the Vietnam War , Korean War , and World War II , the Purple Heart was often awarded on the spot, with occasional entries made into service records, but this was often not the case. In addition, during the mass demobilizations that followed each of America's major wars of the 20th century, it was a common occurrence for the Purple Heart to be omitted from service records, due to clerical errors, once the service record was closed upon discharge. An added complication is that a number of field commanders would engage in bedside presentations of the Purple Heart which would typically entail a general entering a hospital with a box of Purple Hearts, pinning them on the pillows of wounded service members, and then departing with no official records kept of the visit or the award of the Purple Heart. Service members, themselves, could complicate the issue by leaving hospitals unofficially, returning to their units in haste to rejoin a battle or to not appear as a malingerer. In such cases, even if a service member had received actual wounds in combat, both the award of the Purple Heart, as well as the entire visit to the hospital which treated the enemy wound, would never be recorded in official records.

Service members requesting retroactive awards of the Purple Heart must normally apply through the National Personnel Records Center . Following a review of service records, those Army members so qualified are awarded the Purple Heart by the U.S. Army Human Resources Command in Alexandria, Virginia. Air Force veterans are awarded the Purple Heart by the Awards Office of Randolph Air Force Base while the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard presents Purple Hearts to veterans through the Navy Liaison Officer at the National Personnel Records Center. Simple clerical errors, where a Purple Heart is denoted in military records but was simply omitted from a (WD AGO Form 53-55 (predecessor to the) DD Form 214 . (Report of Separation), are corrected on site at the National Personnel Records Center through issuance of a document known as a DD-215. Requests Edit As the Purple Heart did not exist prior to 1932, records of the decoration are not annotated in service histories of those veterans who were wounded or killed by enemy action prior to the establishment of the medal. The Purple Heart, however, is retroactive to 1917 meaning that it may be presented to veterans as far back as the First World War .

Prior to 2006, service departments would review older service records, service histories, and all available records to determine if a veteran authorized a retroactive Purple Heart. As of 2008, such records are listed as "Archival" by the National Archives and Records Administration meaning they have been transferred from the custody of the military and can no longer be loaned and transferred for retroactive medals determination. In such cases, requestors asking for a Purple Heart (especially from records of the First World War) are provided with a complete copy of all available records (or reconstructed records in the case of the 1973 fire) and advised that the Purple Heart may be privately purchased if the requestor feels it is warranted.[ citation needed ] A clause to the archival procedures was revised in mid-2008, where if a veteran themselves or (if deceased) an immediate member of the family requested the Purple Heart on an Army or Air Force record, the medal would still be granted by the National Archives. In such cases where a determination was required to be made by the military service department, photocopies of the archival record (but not the record itself) would be forwarded to the headquarters of the military branch in question.

This stipulation was granted only for the Air Force and Army; Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard archival medals requests are still typically offered a copy of the file and told to purchase the medal privately. For requests received directly from veterans, these requests are routed through a Navy Liaison Office on site at 9700 Page Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63132-5100 (the location of the Military Personnel Records Center).[ citation needed ] Destroyed record requests Edit Due to the 1973 National Archives Fire , a large number of retroactive Purple Heart requests are difficult to verify since all records to substantiate the award may very well have been destroyed. As a solution to this, the National Personnel Records Center maintains a separate office to deal with Purple Heart requests where service records have been destroyed in the 1973 fire. In such cases, NPRC searches through unit records, military pay records, and records of the Department of Veterans Affairs .

If a Purple Heart is warranted, all available alternate records sources are forwarded to the military service department for final determination of issuance.[ citation needed ] The loaning of fire related records to the military has declined since 2006, since a large number of such records now fall into the "archival records" category of military service records meaning that the records have been transferred from the military to the National Archives. In such cases, the Purple Heart may be privately purchased by the requestor (see above section of retroactive requests for further details) but is no longer provided by the military service department.[ citation needed ] Notable recipients Texas Purple Heart Medal | Military Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia Texas Purple Heart Medal Awarded to members of the Texas Military Forces Awarded for Awarded for "being wounded or killed in any action against an enemy of the United States or as a result of an act of any such enemy or opposing armed forces" Status Currently awarded Description The ribbon drape is of purple and white stripes. The medal is gold in the shape of a heart surmounted by the Alamo Mission in San Antonio .

Within the medal is a purple heart with a star of five points, encircled by olive and live oak branches, the Coat of Arms of Texas . Precedence PURPLE HEART CRITERIA - Recognize the Sacrifice Recognize the Sacrifice Eligibility criteria for the Purple Heart Medal is as follows: a. The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of an Armed Force or any civilian national of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of 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 (1) In any action against an enemy of the United States. (2) 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. (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 28 March 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 Army, or jointly by the Secretaries of the separate armed Services concerned if persons from more than one service are wounded in the attack. (7) 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. b. 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. (1) A Purple Heart is authorized for the first wound suffered under conditions indicated above, but for each subsequent award an Oak Leaf Cluster will be awarded to be worn on the medal or ribbon. Not more than one award will be made for more than one wound or injury received at the same instant or from the same missile, force, explosion, or agent.

(2) 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 a medical officer and records of medical treatment for wounds or injuries received in action must have been made a matter of official record. (3) 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. (4) Examples of enemy-related injuries which clearly justify award of the Purple Heart are as follows: (a) Injury caused by enemy bullet, shrapnel, or other projectile created by enemy action. (b) Injury caused by enemy placed mine or trap. (c) Injury caused by enemy released chemical, biological or nuclear agent. (d) Injury caused by vehicle or aircraft accident resulting from enemy fire. (e) Concussion injuries caused as a result of enemy generated explosions.

(5) Examples of injuries or wounds which clearly do not qualify for award of the Purple Heart are as follows: (a) Frostbite or trench foot injuries. (b) Heat stroke. (c) Food poisoning not caused by enemy agents. (d) Chemical, biological, or nuclear agents not released by the enemy. (e) Battle fatigue. (f) Disease not directly caused by enemy agents. (g) Accidents, to include explosive, aircraft, vehicular, and other accidental wounding not related to or caused by enemy action. (h) Self-inflicted wounds, except when in the heat of battle, and not involving gross negligence. (i) Post traumatic stress disorders. (j) Jump injuries not caused by enemy action. (6) 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.

Note the following examples: (a) In case such as an individual injured while making a parachute landing from an aircraft that had been brought down enemy fire; or, an individual injured as a result of a vehicle accident caused by enemy fire, the decision will be made in favor of the individual and the award will be made. (b) Individuals wounded or killed as a result of "friendly fire" in the "heat of battle" will be awarded the Purple Heart as long as the "friendly" projectile or agent was released with the full intent of inflicting damage or destroying enemy troops or equipment. (c) Individuals injured as a result of their own negligence; for example, driving or walking through an unauthorized area known to have been mined or placed off limits or searching for or picking up unexploded munitions as war souvenirs, will not be awarded the Purple Heart as they clearly were not injured as a result of enemy action, but rather by their own negligence. c. A Purple Heart will be issued to the next of kin of each person entitled to a posthumous award. Issue will be made automatically by the Commanding General, PERSCOM, upon receiving a report of death indicating entitlement. d.

Upon written application to Commander, ARPERCEN, ATIN.- DAR-P-VSEA, 9700 Page Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63132-5200, award may be made to any member of the Army, who during World War 1, was awarded a Meritorious Service Citation Certificate signed by the Commander in Chief, American Expeditionary Forces, or who was authorized to wear wound chevrons. Posthumous awards to personnel who were killed or died of wounds after 5 April 1917 will be made to the appropriate next of kin upon application to the Commanding General, PERSCOM. e. Any member of the Army who was awarded the Purple Heart for meritorious achievement or service, as opposed to wounds received in action, between 7 December 1941 and 22 September 1943, may apply for award of an appropriate decoration instead of the Purple Heart. f. For those who became Prisoners of War 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. Documentation and inquiries Should be directed to Commander, PERSCOM, ATTN: TAPCPDA, Alexandria, VA 22332-0471. g. Any member of the U.S. Army who believes that he or she is eligible for the Purple Heart, but through unusual circumstances no award was made, may submit an application through military channels, to Commander, PERSCOM, ATTN: TAPC-PDA, Alexandria, VA 22332-0471. Application will include complete documentation, to include evidence of medical treatment, pertaining to the wound. The text has been cut and pasted for ease of reading & applicability. To see the text in full from AR 600-8-22, 25 February 1995 and Public Law 104-106 - Feb. 10, 1996 visit Create a free website Purple Heart medal likely for Ft. Hood victims. Right decision? (+video) - CSMonitor.com Purple Heart medal likely for Ft. Hood victims. Right decision?

(+video) Latest News The New Economy What Wal-Mart's higher wages, better training mean for US retail The Ft. Hood shooting by Nidal Malik Hasan, killing 13 people and wounding 32 , was not considered a terrorist attack, which meant victims could not be awarded the Purple Heart medal. A provision in a defense spending bill would make such awards possible. View Caption of The official reasons for awarding the Purple Heart to members of the US military are straight-forward: "Being wounded or killed in any action against an enemy of the United States or as a result of an act of any such enemy or opposing armed forces." Thousands have been awarded during US combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, hundreds of thousands in earlier wars. But in what’s come to be known as the “war on terror” – conflict that knows no time limit or geographic boundaries – deciding who is eligible to receive the Purple Heart becomes more subjective.

The “enemy” in this case probably doesn’t wear uniforms, and they may not be part of another nation’s “opposing armed force.” Recommended: Dakota Meyer and nine others: what they did to receive the Medal of Honor Does being diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – severe mental and emotional damage related to the horrors of war – qualify? So far, the condition known in earlier times as battlefield fatigue, shell shock, and (during the Civil War) “Soldier’s Heart” does not qualify for the award even though those experiencing the condition say it’s not a “disorder” at all but a war-related wound as debilitating as any physical injury. Photos of the Day Photos of the Day 01/17 And what about US military personnel killed or wounded on US soil as the result of a terrorist attack? Here, the picture is mixed. Troops injured at the Pentagon in the terrorist attack on Sept. 1, 2001, were awarded the Purple Heart, the Military Times reports, but two Army recruiters shot by a radicalized Muslim outside of a recruiting station in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 2009 did not.

The same question has been raised about the victims of the 2009 shootings at Ft. Hood , Texas , which killed 13 people and wounded 32 others. The shooter was Army psychiatrist Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan , convicted in a court-martial of premeditated murder and attempted murder and now facing the death penalty. He’d been in e-mail contact with Islamic militant Anwar al-Awlaki , who was later killed in a US drone attack in Yemen. Al-Awlaki had described Hasan as “a hero … a man of conscience who could not bear living the contradiction of being a Muslim and serving in an army that is fighting against his own people.” An al Qaeda spokesman described Hasan as “one righteous Muslim … a pioneer, a trailblazer and a role-model.” But to the FBI and US military investigators that did not mean Hasan’s violent act was connected to a terrorist group. It was classified as “workplace violence” even though a US Senate report called it “the worst terrorist attack on US soil since September 11, 2001.” In the years since Hasan’s deadly attack, there’s been a growing effort to award the Purple Heart to those killed and wounded at Ft.

Hood, and now it seems likely to happen, which the Defense Department has resisted. In a letter last year, the Pentagon wrote that awarding the medal to Fort Hood victims could “irrevocably alter the fundamental character of this time-honored decoration.” Defense Department officials expressed concern that declaring Hasan a terrorist would “undermine the prosecution,” which eventually led to his conviction and death penalty. “Ultimately, such an unprecedented action [awarding Purple Hearts in this case] would thwart the real and lasting measure that will bring closure to the grieving and harmed victims and families – the trial itself,” Pentagon officials wrote. But a major defense spending bill passed in the House last week and headed to a Senate vote this coming week calls for the Purple Heart to be awarded to “members of the armed forces killed or wounded in domestic attacks inspired by foreign terrorist organizations.” The key words here are “inspired by.” It’s likely to pass in the Senate, most observers believe, and it is unlikely to be vetoed by President Obama. In addition to the medal, recipients and their families would be eligible for other military benefits as well, including financial benefits and priority care at Veterans Affairs facilities.

“This legislation acknowledges that the people who lost their lives and were wounded at Foot Hood … were victims of a domestic terrorist attack,” Sen. John Cornyn, (R) of Texas, said. “They are entitled to this recognition and these benefits, no less than our military deployed overseas fighting in the war on terror.” Next up Get the Monitor stories you care about delivered to your inbox. Daily Hegins veteran receives Purple Heart - News - Republican Herald Hegins veteran receives Purple Heart POLL Do you have a passport? Yes by thomas leskin (staff writertleskin@republicanherald.com) / Published: May 30, 2013 Article Tools – + Share This Nick Meyer/staff photo U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-17, right, presents the Purple Heart Award to Vietnam veteran Roger Stine, Hegins, on Wednesday at Cartwright's Pottsville office. Vietnam veteran Roger Stine, Hegins, was presented with the Purple Heart award Wednesday in Pottsville, an honor that he was recommended for and awarded in Vietnam, but did not receive at that time. The Purple Heart was presented to Stine by U.S. Rep.

Matt Cartwright, D-17, at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday in his Pottsville district office at 121 Progress Ave., Suite 310. During the ceremony, Cartwright said Stine was a specialist 5 in the Army and served in Vietnam and southeast Asia from 1966 to 1969. This included his stateside training and duty assignments, and approximately two of those years were spent in southeast Asia. "While servicing, Mr. Stine was wounded with shrapnel to the chest near the Cambodian border in 1967," Cartwright said. "The real question is why has it taken from 1967 until 2013 for the awarding of this medal and the answer is it is apparent on his separation papers that he was entitled to a Purple Heart, he was just never given one. It's one of the rare snafus of the United States government that happened and I'm very pleased to be here as a representative of the president of the United States to fix that problem." Stine was mostly at a loss for words after receiving his Purple Heart on Wednesday. "I'm just very proud," he said.

He also thanked the American Legion, especially Herbert J. Borchert, service officer for American Legion Post 575 Valley View, the post that he belongs to, for all his help in getting the award. Stine said they started the process March 18 and were told that it would take a year for him to receive his award. The Purple Heart is a U.S. military decoration awarded in the name of the president to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917, with the U.S. military. Cartwright also said that the Purple Heart is the oldest military award that is still given to members of the U.S. military and is awarded for "being wounded or killed in any action against an enemy of the United States or as a result of an act of any such enemy or opposing armed forces." We welcome user discussion on our site, under the following guidelines: To comment you must first create a profile and sign-in with a verified DISQUS account or social network ID. Sign up here. Comments in violation of the rules will be denied, and repeat violators will be banned. Please help police the community by flagging offensive comments for our moderators to review.

By posting a comment, you agree to our full terms and conditions. Click here to read terms and conditions . Military Information Viewer Silver Star Medal The Silver Star Medal is awarded for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States. It is the third-highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy. Bronze Star Medal The Bronze Star Medal is awarded for heroic or meritorious achievement or service. When awarded for bravery, it is the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces in the order of precedence of U.S. military decorations. Bronze Star Medal with Single Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster The Bronze Star Medal is awarded for heroic or meritorious achievement or service. When awarded for bravery, it is the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces in the order of precedence of U.S. military decorations. The attached Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster is a decoration issued to personnel of the United States Army and Air Force in lieu of subsequent bestowals of the same award. Each Bronze Cluster represents an additional award.

Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device The Bronze Star Medal is awarded for heroic or meritorious achievement or service. When awarded for bravery, it is the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces in the order of precedence of U.S. military decorations. The attached Valor device is an award of the United States military which is applied to certain medals to indicate that it was received for valor. The device serves as a clarification for medals that are awarded for both valor (bravery in the face of the enemy), and merit (an extraordinary job under noncombat conditions). Purple Heart The Purple Heart is awarded for being wounded or killed in any action against an enemy of the United States or as a result of an act of any such enemy or opposing armed forces. The Purple Heart is the oldest award that is still given to members of the U.S. military. Purple Heart with Single Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster The Purple Heart is awarded for being wounded or killed in any action against an enemy of the United States or as a result of an act of any such enemy or opposing armed forces. The attached Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster is a decoration issued to personnel of the United States Army and Air Force in lieu of subsequent bestowals of the same award.

Each Bronze Cluster represents an additional award. This veteran was awarded one Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters denoting two awarded Purple Heart medals. Purple Heart with Single Gold Star The Purple Heart is awarded for being wounded or killed in any action against an enemy of the United States or as a result of an act of any such enemy or opposing armed forces. The attached Gold Award Star is a decoration issued to personnel of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard in lieu of subsequent bestowals of the same award. Each Gold Star represents an additional award. This veteran was awarded one Gold Star denoting two awarded Purple Heart medals. Purple Heart with Two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters The Purple Heart is awarded for being wounded or killed in any action against an enemy of the United States or as a result of an act of any such enemy or opposing armed forces. The attached Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster is a decoration issued to personnel of the United States Army and Air Force in lieu of subsequent bestowals of the same award. Each Bronze Cluster represents an additional award. This veteran was awarded two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters denoting three awarded Purple Heart medals.

Army Commendation Medal The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States other than General Officers who, while serving in any capacity with the Army after 6 December 1941, distinguished themselves by heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service. National Defense Service Medal The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for military service during periods of national emergency. As of 2010, with an issuance span of sixty years, the National Defense Service Medal is the oldest service medal still in circulation by the United States armed forces. Vietnam Service Medal The Vietnam Service Medal is awarded to all members of the United States Armed Forces serving in Vietnam and contiguous waters or airspace thereover. Members of the Armed Forces of the United States in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia, or the airspace thereover, during eligible periods and serving in direct support of operations in Vietnam. Vietnam Service Medal w/ One Bronze Star The Vietnam Service Medal is awarded to all members of the United States Armed Forces serving in Vietnam and contiguous waters or airspace thereover.

Members of the Armed Forces of the United States in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia, or the airspace thereover, during eligible periods and serving in direct support of operations in Vietnam. The attached Bronze Campaign Star is a decoration issued to personnel of the United States Military in lieu of subsequent bestowals of the same award for service in an additional campaign. This veteran was awarded one Bronze Campaign Star denoting service in two Vietnam campaigns. Vietnam Campaign Medal The Vietnam Campaign Medal is awarded by the Republic of Vietnam, (also known as South Vietnam), to any member of the United States, Australian, New Zealand and allied military forces serving six months or more in support of Republic of Vietnam military operations. Vietnam Military Merit Medal The Vietnam Military Merit Medal is awarded by the Republic of Vietnam, (also known as South Vietnam), to soldiers who had performed extreme acts of bravery or had given their lives in armed combat with enemy forces of Vietnam. Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm The Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm is awarded by the Republic of Vietnam, (also known as South Vietnam), to soldiers accomplishing deeds of valor or displaying heroic conduct while fighting an enemy force.

Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal Second Class The Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal Second Class is awarded for actively contributing to the formation and organization of the Vietnamese military and actively participating in cadre training of Vietnamese units. Combat Infantryman Badge The Combat Infantryman Badge is awarded for being personally present, and under hostile fire, while serving in assigned, primary infantry or special forces duty in a unit actively engaging the enemy in ground combat. Parachutist Badge The Army Parachutist Badge is awarded to all military personnel of any service who complete the US Army Basic Airborne Course at Fort Benning, Georgia. It signifies that the soldier is a trained Army Parachutist, and is qualified to participate in airborne operations. Combat Medical Badge The Combat Medical Badge is awarded to an army medic supporting a ground combat arms unit brigade or lower for performing medical duties while being actively engaged by the enemy. Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, have participated in a United States military operation and encountered foreign armed opposition, or were in danger of hostile action by foreign Armed Forces.

Army Good Conduct Medal The Good Conduct Medal is awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity in active Federal Military service. It is awarded on a selective basis to each soldier who distinguishes himself/herself from among his/her fellow soldiers by their exemplary conduct, efficiency, and fidelity throughout a specified period of continuous enlisted active Federal military service. Qualifying periods of service include each three years completed after 27 August 1940 or, for first award only, upon completion of at least one year upon termination of service if separated prior to three years. Also for the first award only, for those individuals who died before completing one year of active Federal military service if the death occurred in the line of duty. The immediate commander must approve the award and the award must be announced in permanent orders. Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal is a service decoration of the Second World War which was awarded to any member of the United States military who served in the Pacific Theater from 1941 to 1945. The flag colors of Japan and the United States are visible in the ribbon.

There were 21 Army and 48 Navy/Marine official campaigns of the Pacific Theater, denoted on the service ribbon by campaign stars; some construction battalion units issued the medal with award numerals. The arrowhead device is authorized for those campaigns which involved amphibious assaults. The Fleet Marine Force combat operation insignia is also authorized for certain sailors. Honorable Service Lapel Button The Honorable Service Lapel Button sometimes called the Honorable Service Lapel Pin was awarded to United States military service members who were discharged under honorable conditions during World War II. The button, which depicted an eagle inside a wreath, served as proof to military police that its wearer was not absent without leave. The award was sometimes slangily called the Ruptured duck. Navy/Marine Unit Commendation This commendation is awarded by the Navy Secretary to any ship, aircraft, detachment, or other unit of the United States Navy or Marine Corps which has since December 6th, 1941 distinguished itself in action against the enemy with outstanding heroism.

To justify this award, the unit must have performed service of a character comparable to that which would merit the award of a Silver Star Medal, or achievement of like caliber in a non-combat situation, to an individual. It is also awarded for non-combat service, in support of military operations, which was outstanding when compared to other units or organizations performing similar service. Naval Unit Commendation, The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in commending the TWELFTH MARINES, THIRD MARINE DIVISION for service as follows: "For outstanding heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Empress Augusta Bay Beachhead, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, from November 1, 1943, to January 12, 1944; and in the invasion and seizure of Guam, Marianas, July 21 to August 10, 1944.

Divided for landing into small elements dispersed over 5,000 yards of beach at Empress Augusta Bay, the TWELFTH Marines overcame perilous surf and beach conditions and an almost impenetrable wall of jungle and swampy terrain to land their pack howitzers, initial ammunition and equipment by hand, to occupy firing positions, emplace guns, set up all control facilities and deliver effective fire in support of the THIRD Marine Division beachhead by afternoon of D-Day. In action for 73 days while under continual Japanese air attacks, the TWELFTH Marines aided in smashing an enemy counterattack on November 7-8, silenced all hostile fire in the Battle of Cocoanut Grove on November 13, and delivered continuous effective fire in defense of the vital beachhead position. At Guam, they landed in the face of enemy mortar and artillery fire through treacherous surf and, despite extreme difficulties of communication, supply and transportation, and the necessity of shifting from one type of fire to another, rendered valuable fire support in night and day harassing fires, counterbattery fires and defensive barrages, including the disruption of an organized counterattack by seven Japanese battalions on the night of July 26-27.

By their individual heroic actions and their skilled teamwork, the officers and men of the TWELFTH Marines served with courage and distinction during the THIRD Marine Division's missions to secure the Empress Augusta Bay Beachhead and to aid in the recapture of Guam; thereby enhancing the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service." All personnel attached to and serving with the TWELFTH Marines during these periods are hereby authorized to wear the NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION Ribbon. JAMES FORRESTAL, Secretary of the Navy World War II Victory Medal The World War II Victory Medal commemorates military service during World War II and is awarded to any member of the United States military, including members of the armed forces of the Government of the Philippine Islands, who served on active duty, or as a reservist, between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946. The World War II Victory Medal was first issued as a ribbon, and was referred to simply as the “Victory Ribbon.” By 1946, a full medal had been established which was referred to as the World War II Victory Medal.

The medal's front depicts Nike standing victorious, holding a broken sword, representing the broken power of the Axis, with one foot upon the helmet of Mars, the Roman god of war, representing the end of the conflict. Behind Nike is a sunburst, representing the dawn of peace. The reverse recalls the "Four Freedoms" speech by President Roosevelt, with a laurel sprig, surrounded by the words "United States of America", and the dates of the conflict, "1941-1945". The edges of the ribbon revisit the multi-colored rainbow ribbon of the Allied World War I Victory Medal. This again honors all the allied nations. The wide red center represents the new sacrifice of blood by World War II combatants. The thin white lines separating the central red band from the outer multi-colored bands represent the rays of new hope, two of them signifying that this was the second global conflict. Distinguished Service Medal The Distinguished Service Medal is a military award of the United States Army that is presented to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the United States military, has distinguished himself or herself by exceptionally meritorious service to the Government in a duty of great responsibility.

The performance must be such as to merit recognition for service that is clearly exceptional. Exceptional performance of normal duty will not alone justify an award of this decoration. For service not related to actual war, the term "duty of a great responsibility" applies to a narrower range of positions than in time of war, and requires evidence of conspicuously significant achievement. However, justification of the award may accrue by virtue of exceptionally meritorious service in a succession of high positions of great importance. Separate Distinguished Service Medals exist for the different branches of the military as well as a fifth version of the medal which is a senior award of the United States Department of Defense. The Army version of the Distinguished Service Medal is typically referred to simply as the "Distinguished Service Medal" while the other branches of service use the service name as a prefix. Distinguished Service Cross The Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army (and previously, the United States Army Air Forces), for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force.

The act or acts of heroism must have been so notable and have involved risk of life so extraordinary as to set the individual apart from his or her comrades. The Distinguished Service Cross is awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguishes himself or herself by extraordinary heroism; while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or 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. European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal Originally known as the “EAME Ribbon”, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal is awarded for any service performed between December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946 provided such service was performed in the geographical theater areas of Europe, North Africa, or the Middle East. For those service members who participated in multiple battle campaigns, service stars are authorized to the decoration with the arrowhead device awarded for any airborne or amphibious operations performed. The Fleet Marine Force combat operation insignia is also authorized for certain sailors.

European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal w/ Bronze Service Star Originally known as the “EAME Ribbon”, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal is awarded for any service performed between December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946 provided such service was performed in the geographical theater areas of Europe, North Africa, or the Middle East. For those service members who participated in multiple battle campaigns, service stars are authorized to the decoration with the arrowhead device awarded for any airborne or amphibious operations performed. The Fleet Marine Force combat operation insignia is also authorized for certain sailors. This veteran was awarded one Bronze Star denoting service in two European-African-Middle Eastern Campaigns. Croix de Guerre - 1914 - 1918 (WWI) The Croix de guerre (Translation: Cross of War) may either be awarded as an individual or unit award to those soldiers who distinguish themselves by acts of heroism involving combat with the enemy. The medal is awarded to those who have been "mentioned in despatches", meaning a heroic deed or deeds were performed meriting a citation from an individual's headquarters unit.

The unit award of the Croix de guerre with palm was issued to military units whose men performed heroic deeds in combat and were subsequently recognized by headquarters. This Veteran was awarded the Croix de guerre 1914-1918 for heroic service in combat during WWI. There are three distinct Croix de guerre medals in the French system of honors: Croix de guerre 1914-1918 for WWI Service (This medal) Croix de guerre 1939-1945 for WWII Service Croix de guerre des théâtres d'opérations extérieures (Translation: War Cross for Foreign Operational Theaters) for wars other than WWI and WWII not fought on French soil Air Medal The Air Medal is awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. During World War II the medal's award criteria varied widely depending on the theater of operations, the aircraft flown, and the missions accomplished. Awards may be made to recognize single acts of merit or heroism, or for meritorious service.

Award of the Air Medal is primarily intended to recognize those personnel who are on current crew member or non-crew member flying status which requires them to participate in aerial flight on a regular and frequent basis in the performance of their primary duties. However, it may also be awarded to certain other individuals whose combat duties require regular and frequent flying in other than a passenger status, or individuals who perform a particularly noteworthy act while performing the function of a crew member but who are not on flying status. These individuals must make a discernible contribution to the operational land combat mission or to the mission of the aircraft in flight. Examples of personnel whose combat duties require them to fly include those in the attack elements of units involved in air-land assaults against an armed enemy and those directly involved in airborne command and control of combat operations. Awards will not be made to individuals who use air transportation solely for the purpose of moving from point to point in a combat zone. About Us - The Amaru Foundation The Amaru Foundation Contact Us On May 13th, 2011 US Army Sargent Amaru Aguilar-Borgen was killed in action in the line of duty while fighting terrorism in Afghanistan.

Amaru, a Naturalized American Citizen, born on November 17th, 1984 in Managua, Nicaragua came to the USA with his two sisters, Soli and Melissa, along with their mother Martha L. Borgen in 1993. On August 2010, Amaru and his wife Cinthia Gaitan welcomed to the world their son Andres Aguilar. Amaru was proud member of the US Army for eight years, with three tours of service to the Middle East. Two of his tours were in Operation Iraqi Freedom and the third was fighting Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan, where he earned a Purple Heart for his actions in the line of fire. The US Congress also awarded him a posthumous Bronze Star along with other medals and honors. A year later after his death the non-profit organization “The Amaru Foundation” was born, honoring the memory of Sgt. Amaru Aguilar-Borgen and all soldiers who have been killed in action so that the rest of the world appreciates, values, and defend the meaning of freedom, democracy and justice. Acknowledging: ·Poverty and illiteracy allow oppression in many different countries.

·In spite of great natural resources, in some regions of the Americas we find high incidence of poverty. ·To reduce poverty is a primary goal and responsibility of all nations. The Amaru Foundation aims to reduce poverty and illiteracy so the most affected communities in the Americas, have access to better health and education. Do not forget that in 2000, one of the main objectives set by United Nations leaders was to: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger. Tactical Objectives: 1. To increase public awareness towards consolidation of a common front that reaches communities in need. 2. Increase awareness in the most affected communities of their own capacity to reduce poverty and increase self-sufficiently. 3. Increase awareness of the benefits of natural resources conservation. The Amaru Foundation believes that education is the main and most powerful tool against these deficiencies and believes it is everyone’s moral responsibility to assist communities in need by helping them reach self-sufficiency. Health and Education are basic human rights.

Medals and Honors Purple Heart Medal Criteria: Awarded as an entitlement entitled upon being killed or wounded in a manner meeting the specific criteria of AR 600-8-22: (1) In any action against an enemy of the U.S.; (2) In any action with an opposing armed force of a foreign country in which the Armed Forces of the U.S. 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 U.S. 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 U.S.; (7) After March 28, 1973, as a result of military operations, while serving outside the territory of the U.S.

as part of a peacekeeping force; (8) After December 7, 1941, by weapon fire while directly engaged in armed conflict, regardless of the fire causing the wound; (9) While held as a prisoner of war or while being taken captive. Additionally, individuals wounded or killed as a result of friendly fire in the heat of battle will be awarded the Purple Heart as long as the "friendly" projectile or agent was released with the full intent of inflicting damage or destroying enemy troops or equipment Bronze Star Medal Criteria: A U.S. Armed Forces individual military decoration and the fourth-highest award for bravery, heroism or meritorious service. Awarded to a member of the military who, while serving in or with the military of the United States after December 6, 1941, distinguished him or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or 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.

Awards may be made for acts of heroism, performed under circumstances described above, which are of lesser degree than required for the award of the Silver Star. Awards may also be made to recognize single acts of merit or meritorious service. The required achievement or service while of lesser degree than that required for the award of the Legion of Merit must nevertheless have been meritorious and accomplished with distinction. To be eligible for the Bronze Star Medal, a military member must be getting hostile fire/imminent danger pay, during the event for which the medal is to be awarded. The Bronze Star Medal is typically referred to by its full name (including the word "Medal") to differentiate the decoration from bronze service stars which are worn on campaign medals and service awards. Afghanistan Campaign Medal Criteria: Awarded to any member of the U.S. military who has performed duty within the borders of Afghanistan (or its airspace) for a period of thirty consecutive days or sixty non-consecutive days. The medal is retroactive to October 24, 2001 and is active until a date to be determined.

Personnel who have been engaged in combat with an enemy force, or personnel who have been wounded in combat within Afghanistan, may receive the Afghanistan Campaign Medal regardless of the number of days spent within the country. The medal is also awarded posthumously to any service member who dies in the line of duty within Afghanistan, including from non-combat injuries such as accidents and mishaps. Army Good Conduct Medal Criteria: Awarded to any enlisted member of the United States Army who completes three consecutive years of "honorable and faithful service.” Such service implies that a standard enlistment was completed without any non-judicial punishments, disciplinary infractions, or court martial offenses. If a service member commits an offense, the three-year mark "resets" and a service member must perform an additional three years of discipline free service before the Good Conduct may be authorized. During times of war, the Army Good Conduct Medal may be awarded for one year of faithful service. The medal may also be awarded posthumously, to any soldier killed in the line of duty. To denote additional decorations of the award, a series of Good Conduct Knots are provided as attachments to the decoration.

Service for the Army Good Conduct Medal must be performed on active duty and the medal is not awarded to members of the Army Reserve or National Guard who are not federalized to active service. For those Reserve and Guard members who satisfactorily perform annual training and drill duty, however, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal may be awarded in lieu. Iraq Campaign Medal Criteria: Awarded to any member of the U.S. military who has performed duty within the borders of Iraq (or its territorial waters) for a period of thirty consecutive days or sixty non-consecutive days. The medal is retroactive to March 19, 2003 and is active until a date to be determined. Personnel who have been engaged in combat with an enemy force, or personnel who have been wounded in combat or wounded as a result of a terrorist attack within Iraq, may receive the Iraq Campaign Medal regardless of the number of days spent within the country. The medal is also awarded posthumously to any service member who dies in the line of duty within Iraq, including from non-combat injuries such as accidents and mishaps.

Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal Criteria: Authorized for service members deployed overseas for service in the Global War on Terrorism operations on or after September 11, 2001, and to a future date to be determined. Initial award of the expeditionary medal is limited to personnel deployed abroad in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The area of eligibility encompasses the United States Central Command area (less the lower Horn of Africa); Middle East; eastern Turkey; Philippines; Diego Garcia; and all air spaces above the land and adjacent water areas. Special criteria: Must have performed in a designated anti-terrorism operation for a period of either 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days of duty. For those who were engaged in combat, killed, or wounded in the line of the duty the time requirement is waived. Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Criteria: Authorized for service members participating in or serving in support of Global War on Terrorism operations on or after Sept.11, 2001, and to a future date to be determined.

Initial award of the service medal is limited to airport security operations (from September 27, 2001, until May 31, 2002) and to service members who support Operations Enduring Freedom, Noble Eagle, and Iraqi Freedom. Each combatant commander has the authority to approve award of the service medal for units and personnel deployed to their theater of operations. Special criteria: Must have performed in a designated anti-terrorism operation for a period of either 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days of duty. For those who were engaged in combat, killed, or wounded in the line of the duty the time requirement is waived. The Golden Lion Award For bravery and honorable service to his country, Sgt. Aguilar was awarded the Golden Lion Award by The Lion's Club Miami-Dade County Chapter in Florida on 2011. For more information regarding military Honors and Medals please visit : For additional information you can reach us at: info@theamarufoundation.org P. O. Box 835866 – Miami, FL 33283 / Tel: (786) 529 - 7117

Question: Which military decoration is awarded to recognize people "being wounded or killed in any action against an enemy of the United States or as a result of an act of any such enemy or opposing armed forces"?
Answer: Purple Heart