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The first U.S. Military Decoration instituted by General Washington in1782 and awarded for bravery in action. The records show that only three men received it during the American Revolutionary War, all of them Noncommissioned Officers. Two of these coveted Badges still exist. The Original Medal, sewn onto the coat, was simply a Purple Heart-Shaped piece of cloth edged with Silver Braid. Although this was the Medal Of Honor of the Revolution. It seems to have been forgotten for about a 150 years. The 200th Anniversary of Washington's birth marked the revival of the Award (Feb. 22, 1932). The current purpose of the Medal is an award for those Wounded or Killed (Awarded Posthumously) in the service of their country. An Oak Leaf Cluster is granted to a person who had been previously wounded and who already has a Purple Heart. Perhaps one of the most beautifully designed of all U.S. Decorations, The Medal is a Purple Heart-Shaped Badge with Gold Edges that depicts a profile relief bust of Washington in the uniform of a General in the Continental Army. The reverse side bears the inscription "FOR MILITARY MERIT" with the recipient's name below. The "Badge Of Military Merit" (Purple Heart) is the first U.S. Military Award for Valor without regard to rank.
THE PURPLE HEARTONCE UPON A TIME WHEN MOST OF US HAD DIED
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Brief Personal Military History:I served three years, October 1966 through July 1969 in The United States Marine Corps. I served with Charlie Company, 5th Tank Battalion, 5th Marine Division at Camp Pendelton Calif. from February 1967 through January1968. I than served with Bravo Company, First Tank Battalion, First Marine Division in Vietnam from March 1968 to November 1968. I hold a Purple Heart for wounds received near Hill 55 in The Republic Of South Vietnam. I was Retired from The United States Marine Corps due to Combat Service Connected Disabilities after my return from Vietnam. I am a Life Member of The Military Order of The Purple Heart and The Disabled American Veterans. If you would like information on either The Military Order of The Purple Heart or The Disabled American Veterans click on the links below.
In Memory of :
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© CT Matye all rights reserved
08/06/2007
