Modern/Post-War Photos

Purple Heart Medal

The original Purple Heart, designated as the Badge of Military Merit, was established by George Washington—then the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army—by order from his Newburgh, New York headquarters on August 7, 1782. The actual order includes the phrase, "Let it be known that he who wears the military order of the purple heart has given of his blood in the defense of his homeland and shall forever be revered by his fellow countrymen." The Badge of Military Merit was only awarded to three Revolutionary War soldiers and fell into disuse following the War of Independence. Although never abolished, the award of the badge was not proposed again officially until after World War I. In WWII, William L. Russell, from the US Army, was awarded 8 Purple Hearts, the highest number awarded in that conflict to a single person. He was also awarded a Silver Star. According to research made by National Geographic Society, 1,076,245 Purple Heart medals were awarded in WWII alone. In recent times, a military working dog, Lex, honorary USMC, was also merited with the medal.