85 years old today
NEW WINDSOR – The modern day Purple Heart Medal was established 85 years ago on February 22, 1932, to mark the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth.
The original award, the Badge of Military Merit, was first presented by General Washington in Newburgh on August 7, 1782.
The current medal was created “out of respect to [General Washington’s] memory and military achievements,” according to the General Order published 85 years ago by Douglas MacArthur, General, Chief of Staff, noted Peter Bedrossian, the educator at the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New Windsor. “At that time World War I had ended and they brought back an award to recognized merit, not necessarily gallantry in battle, but merit. So the Purple Heart them became a medal rather than a piece of cloth.”
The Purple Heart Medal is authorized for any member of the armed forces who is killed or wounded by enemy action.
