Introduction
The Purple Heart award has a rich history that dates back to the Revolutionary War. Originally known as the Badge of Military Merit, it was created by George Washington in 1782 as a way to honor soldiers who had demonstrated exceptional bravery in battle. The badge fell out of use after the war, but was revived in 1932 as the Purple Heart award.
Today, the Purple Heart is awarded not just to soldiers, but to members of all branches of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves. It is a way to recognize those who have put their lives on the line for their country and paid a heavy price.
How to qualify for the Purple Heart award
The criteria for receiving the Purple Heart are simple: a service member must have been wounded or killed in combat. The wounds can be physical or mental, and can range from minor injuries to life-altering disabilities. In order to be eligible, the recipient must have been a member of the military at the time of their injury, and the injury must have occurred during combat operations.
Some examples of combat scenarios that can qualify for the Purple Heart include being wounded by enemy fire, being injured in an explosion or IED attack, or suffering from a traumatic brain injury as a result of combat operations. In order to receive the award, the injury must have been sustained while the member was engaged in combat with an enemy force, or as a direct result of an enemy attack.
The application process
If a service member believes they are eligible for the Purple Heart award, they must submit an application to their respective military branch. The application process includes gathering required paperwork, such as medical records and statements from witnesses, and submitting it to the appropriate authorities. The process can take several weeks or months to complete, and is often handled by a military legal office or casualty assistance center.
Once the application has been reviewed and approved, the award is typically presented in a formal ceremony. The ceremony may be held on a military base, at a special event, or in a more intimate setting with family and friends. The recipient may be presented with a certificate, medal, and/or ribbon, along with other honors depending on their branch of service.
Profile on a Purple Heart recipient
To get a better sense of what it means to receive the Purple Heart award, we spoke with Private First Class (PFC) John Smith (name changed for privacy), an Army veteran who was wounded in Iraq in 2006.
PFC Smith enlisted in the Army shortly after 9/11, feeling a strong sense of duty to serve his country. He completed basic training and was deployed to Iraq as part of the 1st Armored Division. On May 2, 2006, he was on a routine patrol when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near his vehicle.
“I remember feeling a sudden jolt, and then everything went black,” PFC Smith recalls. “When I came to, I was lying in the back of a Humvee, bleeding and in pain. My left leg was badly injured, and I could feel pieces of shrapnel in my back and arms.”
PFC Smith was flown to a military hospital in Germany for treatment, and then transferred to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. He spent six months recovering from his injuries, undergoing multiple surgeries and physical therapy.
Despite the challenges he faced, PFC Smith remained resolute in his determination to return to duty. “I knew that getting injured was a possibility when I signed up, but I didn’t dwell on it,” he says. “I was focused on my mission and on serving my country.”
Eventually, PFC Smith was able to rejoin his unit and continue his service in Iraq. He received the Purple Heart award during a ceremony at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, surrounded by his family and fellow soldiers.
Reflecting on the experience, PFC Smith says that the award is a reminder of the sacrifices that he and his fellow service members made. “It’s a symbol of the risks we took, and the price we paid,” he says. “But it’s also a symbol of our commitment to each other, and to our country.”
Different ways recipients are honored
Receiving the Purple Heart award is just the beginning of the recognition that many service members receive for their sacrifice. There are a number of ways that recipients are honored, both by their fellow service members and by the broader public.
One of the most common ways that recipients are recognized is through formal ceremonies and events. These can range from small, intimate gatherings to large-scale events with hundreds or even thousands of attendees.
At these ceremonies, recipients may be presented with additional awards and honors, such as the Bronze Star or Silver Star. They may be invited to speak about their experiences, and to express their gratitude to those who have supported them throughout their recovery.
But it’s not just formal events that honor Purple Heart recipients. Many communities have their own traditions and rituals for honoring local veterans, whether it’s through parades, memorials, or other public displays of appreciation.
One particularly moving story comes from a small town in Illinois, where a group of residents came together to build a monument honoring local veterans. The monument was designed to resemble a Purple Heart medal, and included the names of all the veterans from the area who had received the award. It quickly became a centerpiece of the community, a tangible symbol of the sacrifices made by its residents.
Inspirational stories of recipients
There are countless stories of bravery and resilience among recipients of the Purple Heart award. Here are just a few examples:
– Army Sergeant First Class Leroy Petry, who lost his right hand and suffered shrapnel wounds while saving two fellow soldiers during a mission in Afghanistan. Despite his injuries, he was able to help secure the area and coordinate an evacuation, ultimately saving many lives.
– Marine Sergeant Dakota Meyer, who repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire while rescuing fellow soldiers and Afghan allies during a firefight in Afghanistan. He was wounded multiple times during the mission, but was able to save 36 lives in total.
– Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills, who lost all four limbs after stepping on an IED in Afghanistan. Despite facing enormous challenges, he has become an advocate for wounded veterans and their families, sharing his story and inspiring others to persevere in the face of adversity.
Organizations supporting Purple Heart recipients
There are many organizations that exist to support Purple Heart recipients and their families. These groups provide everything from financial assistance to emotional support, and help veterans transition back into civilian life after their service.
One organization that has had a significant impact is the Purple Heart Foundation, which provides scholarships, service dog programs, and other forms of support to veterans in need. Other organizations, such as the Disabled American Veterans and the Wounded Warrior Project, offer a variety of services to help veterans navigate the challenges of recovery and reintegration.
There are also many local organizations and volunteer groups that provide support to veterans in their communities. Whether it’s through providing transportation, delivering meals, or simply offering a listening ear, these groups play an important role in helping veterans feel valued and supported.
Conclusion
The Purple Heart award is a powerful symbol of the bravery and sacrifice of America’s service members. From its origins as a simple badge of honor, it has become a revered symbol of the price that many have paid in defense of their country. Through formal ceremonies, personal stories, and the work of support organizations, the Purple Heart continues to serve as a reminder of the enormous debt that we owe to those who have served.
If you’re interested in getting involved with organizations that support Purple Heart recipients, there are many ways to do so. Consider volunteering your time or making a donation to groups like the Purple Heart Foundation or Disabled American Veterans. You can also reach out to local organizations in your community and ask how you can help. Every little bit helps, and together we can make a big difference in the lives of those who have served.