Purple Heart

Perhaps one of the most famous of US awards, this was originally known as the Badge of Military Merit and was instituted by General George Washington (whose effigy appears on the obverse) in 1782; only three awards were made. It was a heart-shaped purple velvet badge with silver embroidered edges. During WW1, small gold chevrons were worn on the right forearm to denote wounds; a Wound Ribbon appeared but was never officially approved.

In 1932 the current version of the Purple Heart was introduced and this is awarded to any member of the US Armed Forces killed or wounded (including frostbite apparently) in an armed conflict, which includes a terrorist attack, or being wounded while a prisoner of war. A wound for which the award is made must have required treatment by a medical officer.