FOR MILI-TARY MERIT- RECIPI-ENTS OF THE PURPLE HEART

摘要

The book details the history of the Purple Heart from the Revolutionary War to the present. Formerly known as the Badge for Military Merit, it was originally awarded by George Washington in 1782 and revived by General MacArthur in 1932. There are nine chapters with many fascinating tidbits of information. The medal's origins are described. The Purple Heart was initially an award for fidelity or service but later changed into a decoration for combat wounds'. The award criteria for the Purple Heart was changed over the years from military personnel wounded or killed in action against an enemy of the United States to those killed or injured in an international terrorist attack, hostile foreign force, serving on a peacekeeping, or held as prisoner of war.