The Purple Heart is the oldest military award still presented to American service members. The Purple Heart’s first predecessor, the Fidelity Medallion, was created in 1780 by the Continental Congress, but was only awarded to three soldiers that year.
Two years later, in 1782, President George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit. Because the Fidelity Medallion was never again bestowed, it is generally thought of as commemorative, and the Badge of Military Merit is instead considered to be the first U.S. military decoration and the Purple Heart’s predecessor. According to Washington, who designed the badge in the form of a cloth purple heart, the medal would be given to soldiers who displayed “not only instances of unusual gallantry in battle, but also extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way.”
The Badge of Military Merit later became known as the Purple Heart, which is still presented to U.S. service members today.
As you close your eyes in peaceful sleep, please pray for those brave men and women who were wounded in battle or gave that ultimate sacrifice upon the alter of freedom for all.
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