We specialize in U.S. and selected foreign full-size medals, miniature medals, ribbons and attachments.

The Purple Heart Medal

The Purple Heart Medal has a long history in American military heraldry. Its origins date back to 1782 when General George Washington ordered the “Badge of Military Merit” awarded to enlisted men for meritorious service. It was the first medal that would be awarded to an individual, as opposed to entire units. The badge was a small piece of cloth in the shape of a heart with lace edging. Two leafy vines boarded the inside edges of the heart. The embroidered word, “Merit,” was in the middle of the heart. Historians say with this badge, Washington hoped to begin a permanent award system. Unfortunately, other leaders of the Revolutionary War didn’t get the message. Only three people were awarded the Badge of Military Merit and after the war ended, the badge was never used again.

Gone, but not forgotten, then Army Chief of Staff, Douglas MacArthur began the work of resurrecting and redesigning the Badge of Military Merit into the medal we know today as the Purple Heart. On February 22, 1932, the 200th birthday of George Washington, the Purple Heart officially became a part of the military awards system. The criteria for receiving the Purple Heart have changed over the years, but today’s criterion is that the honoree be wounded or killed in the line of duty.

Some famous recipients of the Purple Heart include:

• Pat Tillman (football player)
• James Garner (actor)
• John Kerry (politician)
• Colin Powell (Army General and former Secretary of State)
• John McCain (politician)
• John F. Kennedy (35th President of the United States)
• General Wesley Clark (Army General)