TODAY IN HISTORY: The Purple Heart (Aug. 7, 1782)

TODAY IN HISTORY: The Purple Heart (Aug. 7, 1782)

Purple Heart.

Posted August 7, 2018

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On August 7, 1782, General George Washington issued an order to create the Badge of Military Merit, a groundbreaking military decoration that he personally designed. This badge, known today as the Purple Heart, was intended to honor soldiers wounded in battle, representing a notable shift in military recognition. Unlike previous awards reserved for officers, this was the first medal bestowed upon enlisted soldiers, affirming Washington’s belief in honoring courage and sacrifice at every level of service. With its distinctive heart-shaped design, the Purple Heart remains the second-oldest military award in U.S. history, carrying forward Washington’s legacy of inclusivity and valor for over two centuries.

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