The Purple Heart (PH) is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the president to those wounded or killed while serving, on or after 5 April 1917, with the U.S. military. With its forerunner, the Badge of Military Merit, which took the form of a heart made of purple cloth, the Purple Heart is the oldest military award still given to U.S. military members. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York.
Sign on Interstate 35 designating the Purple Heart Trail.
Purple Heart Memorial, Westland, Michigan
Admiral Mike Mullen reads the citations for seven soldiers receiving Purple Hearts for wounds sustained in Afghanistan
A soldier is awarded the Purple Heart during a ceremony on Coleman Barracks
Awards and decorations of the United States Armed Forces
The awards and decorations of the United States Armed Forces include various medals, service ribbons, ribbon devices, and specific badges which recognize military service and personal accomplishments of members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Such awards are a means to outwardly display the highlights of a service member's career.
Service ribbons, ribbon devices, and badge awards displayed on a Command Master Chief Petty Officer's service uniform.
