The Purple Heart

How old would you think the Purple Heart medal to be? It was actually established by George Washington on August 7, 1782, while at his headquarters, at that time in Newburgh, New York. Originally the award was known as the Badge of Military Merit. It was given to only three Revolutionary War soldiers by General Washington himself, but he authorized other officers to issue the badge as they deemed appropriate, but no one did.

After those first three recipients, the award wasn't bestowed officially again until the World War I era. At that time, the name was changed to the Purple Heart and was given in the name of the President to those wounded or killed while serving in the military on or after April 5, 1917. Around two million men and women have been awarded the medal. It remains the oldest military award given in the United States. You can see more information at the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New Windsor, New York.

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