The Purple Heart
On February 22, 1932, by Executive Order of the President of the United States, the Purple Heart was revived. The original Purple Heart was established by George Washington—then the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army—on August 7, 1782. The Badge of Military Merit was only awarded to three Revolutionary War Soldiers. Although never abolished, the award of the badge was not proposed again officially until after World War I.
The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917. The Purple Heart is the oldest military award that is still given to members of the U.S. military and differs from all other decorations in that an individual is not “recommended” for the decoration; rather he or she is entitled to it upon meeting specific criteria.
Learn more about this award for valor by taking the quiz below:
1) Until 1931, the Purple Heart was known as the _________________.
2) What three words are inscribed on the reverse side of the Purple Heart?
3) Per surviving records, what were the names of the three noncommissioned officers that received the original honor badge (Purple Heart)?
4) After its disuse following the Revolution, on what significant day was the Purple Heart revived?
5) What year was the Purple Heart extended for use by all services?
6) The Purple Heart is ranked immediately behind the ____________ in order of precedence among the personal awards.
Do you have the right answers? Check your answers and learn more about the Purple Heart at http://www.history.army.mil/html/reference/purhrt.html.
Good Luck!
