Two years later, in 1782, President George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit. The Purple Heart’s first predecessor, the Fidelity Medallion, was created in 1780 by the Continental Congress, but was only awarded to three soldiers that year. The Purple Heart is the Oldest Military Award Still Presented to American Service Members In honor of Purple Heart Day, here are nine facts about the history of the Purple Heart Medal and its recipients: 1. A Purple Heart is a solemn distinction and means a service member has greatly sacrificed themselves, or paid the ultimate price, while in the line of duty.Īccording to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, more than 1.8 million Purple Heart medals have been presented to service members since the award was created in 1782. The Purple Heart medal is presented to service members who have been wounded or killed as a result of enemy action while serving in the U.S. On August 7, Purple Heart Day, the nation pauses to acknowledge and remember the sacrifices made by the brave members of our military.
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