The Purple Heart is an
American decoration - the oldest military decoration in the World in
present use, and the first American award made available to the
common soldier. It was initially created as a Badge of Military
Merit by one of the world's most famed and best-loved heroes -
General George Washington.
The Purple Heart is awarded
to members of the Armed Forces of the U.S. who are wounded by an
instrument of war in the hands of the enemy and posthumously to the
next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die or
wounds received in action. It is specifically a combat
decoration.
An organization now known
as "The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH)", was formed in
1952 for the protection and mutual interest of all who have received
the decoration. Composed exclusively of Purple Heart recipients, it
is the only veterans' service organization comprised strictly of
"combat" veterans.
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