The Purple Heart is a heart shaped medal within a Gold border, 1 3/8 inches
wide, containing a profile of General George Washington. Above the heart appears
a shield of the Washington Coat of Arms (a White shield with two Red bars and
three Red stars in chief) between sprays of Green leaves. The reverse consists
of a raised Bronze heart with the words "FOR MILITARY MERIT" below the coat of
arms and leaves. 


The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to
any member of an Armed Force who, while serving with the U.S. Armed Services
after 5 April 1917, has been wounded or killed, or who has died or may hereafter
die after being wounded. The Purple Heart differs from all other decorations in
that an individual is not "recommended" for the decoration; rather he or she is
entitled upon being killed or wounded in a manner meeting the specific criteria:

1.	In any action against an enemy of the United States; 

2.	In any action with an opposing armed force of a foreign country in which the
Armed Forces of the United States are or have been engaged; 

3.	While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict
against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent
party; 

4.	As a result of an act of any such enemy of opposing armed forces; 

5.	As the result of an act of any hostile foreign force; 

6.	After March 28, 1973, as a result of an international terrorist attack
against the United States or a foreign nation friendly to the United States,
recognized as such an attack by the Secretary of the department concerned, or
jointly by the Secretaries of the departments concerned if persons from more
than one department are wounded in the attack; or, 

7.	After March 28, 1973, as a result of military operations, while serving
outside the territory of the United States as part of a peacekeeping force.

8.	After December 7, 1941, by weapon fire while directly engaged in armed
conflict, regardless of the fire causing the wound. 

9.	While held as a prisoner of war or while being taken captive. 



A "wound" is defined as an injury to any part of the body from an outside force
or agent. A physical lesion is not required; however, the wound for which the
award is made must have required treatment by a medical officer and records of
medical treatment for wounds or injuries received in action must have been made
a matter of official record. Individuals wounded or killed as a result of
"friendly fire" in the "heat of battle" will be awarded the Purple Heart as long
as the "friendly" projectile or agent was released with the full intent of
inflicting damage or destroying enemy troops or equipment.

The original Purple Heart, designated as the Badge of Military Merit, was
established by General George Washington by order from his headquarters at
Newburgh, New York, August 7, 1782. The writings of General Washington quoted in
part:

"The General ever desirous to cherish a virtuous ambition in his soldiers, as
well as to foster and encourage every species of Military Merit, directs that
whenever any singularly meritorious action is performed, the author of it shall
be permitted to wear on his facings over the left breast, the figure of a heart
in purple cloth or silk, edged with narrow lace or binding. Not only instances
of unusual gallantry, but also of extraordinary fidelity and essential service
in any way shall meet with a due reward".

The Purple Heart was revived on the 200th Anniversary of George Washington's
birth, out of respect to his memory and military achievements, by War Department
General Orders No. 3, dated 22 February 1932. The criteria was announced in War
Department Circular dated 22 February 1932 and authorized award to soldiers,
upon their request, who had been awarded the Meritorious Service Citation
Certificate or were authorized to wear wound chevrons subsequent to 5 April
1917.

During the early period of World War II (7 Dec 41 to 22 Sep 43), the Purple
Heart was awarded both for wounds received in action against the enemy and for
meritorious performance of duty. With the establishment of the Legion of Merit,
by an Act of Congress, the practice of awarding the Purple Heart for meritorious
service was discontinued. By Executive Order 9277, dated 3 December 1942, the
decoration was extended to be applicable to all services and the order required
that regulations of the Services be uniform in application as far as
practicable. This executive order also authorized award only for wounds
received.