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The Order of the Purple Heart is Created by President George Washington
On Aug 7, 1782, The "Order of the Purple Heart" was created by President George Washington. This was done after the battle of Yorktown to recognize and reward those soldiers and non-commissioned officers who served the military with essential service, fidelity and valor. See how many questions you can answer about the history of the Purple Heart.
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What Was the Original Name for the Purple Heart?
Originating as the "Badge of Merit" a heart made of purple silk or cloth and edged with binding or lace, this design evolved over the years into the Purple Heart. It is unknown who came up with the idea for a badge to honor those who gave excellent service or for the original design. At the time, no European countries had badges of merit for soldiers, except for officers. However, the color purple, linked with royalty, and the heart shape, associated with devotion and bravery, was chosen.
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Why Did President Washington Initiate a "Badge of Merit"?
Lack of funding by Congress during the Revolutionary War left soldiers short of supplies, clothing, food and other items needed to sustain themselves during the long war. Congress did not want to pay extra money for the promotion of soldiers, and Washington was not allowed to grant commissions, so there was no formal recognition for a soldier's valor or service during this time. It was Washington's intention, by creating the badge, that soldiers and non-commissioned officers receive formal recognition for their heroism and service. In addition to receiving the badge, which was worn on the left side, the enlisted men could pass all sentinels and guards just as the commissioned officers could.
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When Was Use of the Medal Renewed?
The Badge of Merit was intended by Washington to be used permanently, but it was only awarded three times for Revolutionary War service and not used again until 1932. It wasn't until almost the time the Continental Army was to be disbanded that any medals were awarded. The Adjutant General was supposed to supply recommendations to a board of officers to consider honorees, but the Adjutant General did not supply any. In 1783, Washington ordered a new review board. Two soldiers were recommended for the award with a third added shortly afterward. In 1932, on the anniversary of Washington's birth, the medal was reinstated by Douglas MacArthur. It was presented that year to 137 veterans of the First World War at the same location of the Continental Army's final encampment in winter of 1782-1783.
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Who Can Receive a Purple Heart?
After reinstatement of the medal, only members of the Army Air Corps or Army were eligible to receive the medal, and it was not awarded to the family posthumously. Franklin Roosevelt changed the requirements in 1942 through executive order to expand it to cover Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Navy personnel along with posthumous awards for military members killed after or on the day of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941. While the medal was awarded originally for valor, it was made unnecessary by the Legion of Merit. It is awarded to military members who were killed, wounded or died from a wound at a date past April 5, 1917.
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On Aug 7, 1782, The "Order of the Purple Heart" was created by President George Washington. This was done after the battle of Yorktown to recognize and reward those soldiers and non-commissioned officers who served the military with essential service, fidelity and valor. See how many questions you can answer about the history of the Purple Heart.
💜
What Was the Original Name for the Purple Heart?
Originating as the "Badge of Merit" a heart made of purple silk or cloth and edged with binding or lace, this design evolved over the years into the Purple Heart. It is unknown who came up with the idea for a badge to honor those who gave excellent service or for the original design. At the time, no European countries had badges of merit for soldiers, except for officers. However, the color purple, linked with royalty, and the heart shape, associated with devotion and bravery, was chosen.
💜
Why Did President Washington Initiate a "Badge of Merit"?
Lack of funding by Congress during the Revolutionary War left soldiers short of supplies, clothing, food and other items needed to sustain themselves during the long war. Congress did not want to pay extra money for the promotion of soldiers, and Washington was not allowed to grant commissions, so there was no formal recognition for a soldier's valor or service during this time. It was Washington's intention, by creating the badge, that soldiers and non-commissioned officers receive formal recognition for their heroism and service. In addition to receiving the badge, which was worn on the left side, the enlisted men could pass all sentinels and guards just as the commissioned officers could.
💜
When Was Use of the Medal Renewed?
The Badge of Merit was intended by Washington to be used permanently, but it was only awarded three times for Revolutionary War service and not used again until 1932. It wasn't until almost the time the Continental Army was to be disbanded that any medals were awarded. The Adjutant General was supposed to supply recommendations to a board of officers to consider honorees, but the Adjutant General did not supply any. In 1783, Washington ordered a new review board. Two soldiers were recommended for the award with a third added shortly afterward. In 1932, on the anniversary of Washington's birth, the medal was reinstated by Douglas MacArthur. It was presented that year to 137 veterans of the First World War at the same location of the Continental Army's final encampment in winter of 1782-1783.
💜
Who Can Receive a Purple Heart?
After reinstatement of the medal, only members of the Army Air Corps or Army were eligible to receive the medal, and it was not awarded to the family posthumously. Franklin Roosevelt changed the requirements in 1942 through executive order to expand it to cover Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Navy personnel along with posthumous awards for military members killed after or on the day of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941. While the medal was awarded originally for valor, it was made unnecessary by the Legion of Merit. It is awarded to military members who were killed, wounded or died from a wound at a date past April 5, 1917.
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