The Nation's First Military Award: The Purple Heart
Stephen F. Vayda was honored to receive one of the most special military awards, The Purple Heart. During the days of the American Revolution, George Washington had a desire to recognize the soldiers enlisted, so he created a "badge of military merit. On August 7, 1782, Washington ordered that a purple heart would be given to any soldier who has shown meritorious action and should be worn against the left breast. Washington ordered that this specific award was to be a permanent one, but after the conclusion of the American Revolution, it was completely forgotten until the 20th century came along.
In the year of 1918, General John J. Pershing expressed his desire to establish a military award for soldiers, but it was not until the year of 1932 that the purple heart was officially established to demonstrate Washington's ideals and out of respect to his military accomplishments. Initially, the purple heart award was only to be distributed to Army Air Corps and Army, but by the year of 1942, it extended to be awarded to Marines, Sailors, and members of the Coast Guard. The award has come to symbolize primarily one thing, SACRIFICE. It is a symbol of the soldiers who have risked their lives to bring freedom and liberty to the United States. It is awarded to any man who has served after April 5, 1917, who has been killed or wounded in the fight for our liberty.
In the year of 1918, General John J. Pershing expressed his desire to establish a military award for soldiers, but it was not until the year of 1932 that the purple heart was officially established to demonstrate Washington's ideals and out of respect to his military accomplishments. Initially, the purple heart award was only to be distributed to Army Air Corps and Army, but by the year of 1942, it extended to be awarded to Marines, Sailors, and members of the Coast Guard. The award has come to symbolize primarily one thing, SACRIFICE. It is a symbol of the soldiers who have risked their lives to bring freedom and liberty to the United States. It is awarded to any man who has served after April 5, 1917, who has been killed or wounded in the fight for our liberty.