The Purple Heart:
Background and Issues for Congress
Updated June 4, 2020
Congressional Research Service
https://crsreports.congress.gov
R42704

The Purple Heart: Background and Issues for Congress

Summary
The Purple Heart is one of the oldest and most recognized American military medals, awarded to
servicemembers who were kil ed or wounded by enemy action. The conflicts 2001 to the present
have greatly increased the number of Purple Hearts awarded to servicemembers.
Events over the past few years have spurred debate on the eligibility criteria for the Purple Heart.
Shootings on U.S. soil and medical conditions such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have prompted changes to the eligibility requirements for the
Purple Heart. Some critics believe that these changes may lessen the value of the medal and the
sacrifices of past recipients on the battlefield. In the past, efforts to modify the Purple Heart’s
eligibility requirements were contentious, and veterans groups were vocal concerning eligibility
changes.
While medal requirements are often left to the military and executive branch to decide, Congress
is involved in Purple Heart eligibility, utilizing its constitutional power “To Make Rules for the
Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces” (U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 8,
clause 14). The Carl Levin and Howard P. “Buck” McKeon National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2015 (P.L. 113-291) included language that expands eligibility for the Purple
Heart.
Previous debates have raised several questions about the Purple Heart. In some respects, how an
event is defined can determine eligibility: Is a servicemember the victim of a crime or a terrorist
attack? Conversely, arguing that kil ed or wounded servicemembers “should” be eligible for the
Purple Heart can redefine an event: Is the servicemember an advisor to a foreign military or a
combatant? Are PTSD and other mental health conditions adequate injuries to warrant the Purple
Heart? These are questions that Congress might consider, if it chooses to act on this issue.
Congressional Research Service

The Purple Heart: Background and Issues for Congress

Introduction
Requirements for military awards and decorations can change over time. New events and changes
in military, political, or social conditions can generate debate over who is eligible for various
military awards. These changes tend to be controversial, especial y with veterans groups.
Congress has considered several pieces of legislation that would change who would be eligible to
receive the Purple Heart, and under what conditions.
The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have greatly increased the number of servicemembers receiving
the Purple Heart award1 as wel as the potential conditions under which they receive the award.
Increasingly acknowledged conditions, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD), as wel as accidents and other events while deployed, bring up new
questions as to when a servicemember deserves a Purple Heart. The July 17, 2015, shooting of
servicemembers at a Marine recruiting office and a naval reserve center in Chattanooga, TN,
again prompted questions about applying the Purple Heart to terrorist attacks versus criminal acts.
Veterans groups often voice their views when Congress or the President proposes making changes
to expand eligibility for the Purple Heart. These groups argue, for example, that a servicemember
who acquires PTSD may not always deserve the same recognition as a servicemember kil ed or
wounded in direct combat,2 while others contend that these medical conditions can debilitate
servicemembers just as much as physical injuries and can have lasting effects on servicemembers’
lives. Determining which actions and events make a servicemember qualified for receiving a
Purple Heart, and whether expanding eligibility does a disservice to those who have already
earned the award, are contentious elements of this debate.
Although Congress has traditional y left many military award requirements to the executive
branch, the Constitution does al ow Congress to act in this area, and events have prompted
changes regarding eligibility for the Purple Heart.3 On December 19, 2014, Congress passed The
Carl Levin and Howard P. “Buck” McKeon National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for
Fiscal Year 2015. Section 571 of the NDAA for FY2015 expanded eligibility by redefining what
should be considered an attack by a “foreign terrorist organization” for purposes of determining
eligibility for the Purple Heart. As a result, servicemembers wounded and kil ed in the 2009
shootings in Little Rock, AR, and at Fort Hood, TX, were awarded Purple Hearts in 2015; and in
subsequent attacks including the shooting at Naval Air Station Pensacola in December 2019.
Congressional offices often receive questions about Purple Heart eligibility from constituents,
especial y when eligibility rules change. The number of these questions is likely to increase as
servicemembers return from conflicts around the world and if eligibility requirements are again
changed. This report examines the history of the Purple Heart and changes in eligibility over time
as wel as current issues facing Congress.

1 According to estimates by the Military Order of the Purple Heart as of October 13, 2017, there are approximately
35,438 Purple Heart recipients from the war in Iraq and 21,939 from Afghanistan including 333 from Operation New
Dawn, and other casualties. See Military Order of the Purple Heart, “ Purple Heart Recipients,” on PDF p. 7 at
http://www.purpleheart.org/DownLoads/Bank/MOPHInformationalBrochures/MOPHToday.pdf.
2 Gene Beresin, “ Why Are We Denying Purple Hearts to Veterans with PT SD?” Huffington Post (updated) May 3,
2015, at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gene-beresin/why-are-we-denying-purple_b_6786318.html.
3 U.S. Constitution, Art. I, §8, clause 14.
Congressional Research Service

1

link to page 17 The Purple Heart: Background and Issues for Congress

Original Conception
In 1782, George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit to reward “any singularly
meritorious action” displayed by a soldier, noncommissioned officer, or officer in the Continental
Army.4 This award was intended to encourage gal antry and fidelity among soldiers, and would
later become known as the Purple Heart.
The Badge of Military Merit was designed as a purple heart of cloth edged with a narrow lace.5
Records are incomplete and researchers debate how many soldiers received this award. According
to Military Order of the Purple Heart, three soldiers from Connecticut were the first to receive the
Badge of Military Merit during the American Revolutionary War. Al three were
noncommissioned officers and the only recipients who received the award from General
Washington. The soldiers were Sergeant Wil iam Brown, 5th Connecticut Regiment of the
Connecticut Line on May 3, 1783; Sergeant Elijah Churchil , 2nd Continental Light Dragoons on
May 3, 1783; and Sergeant Daniel Bissel , 2nd Connecticut Regiment of the Connecticut Line, on
June 10, 1783.6 However, the Badge of Military Merit fel into disuse shortly after its conception.
History of the Purple Heart
The Badge of Military Merit was not seriously considered again until General Douglas
MacArthur (then Army Chief of Staff) revived the award on February 22, 1932, the 200th
anniversary of George Washington’s birth.7
This award, renamed the “Purple Heart,” was redesigned to its modern appearance: a purple
heart-shaped medal with bronze border and George Washington’s coat of arms between two green
spray leaves. See Figure 1. General MacArthur also redefined the eligibility requirements to
those who received Meritorious Service Citation certificates from World War I or those
authorized to wear wound chevrons by Army Regulation (AR) 600-8-22, Military Awards.8 It was
at this point that the Purple Heart became focused on soldiers kil ed and wounded in combat,
rather than “any singularly meritorious act.”
In 1942, President Franklin Roosevelt extended the Purple Heart award, which to this point was
exclusively an Army award, to Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard members serving in World
War II.9 In 1952, President Truman retroactively awarded Purple Hearts to personnel in the Navy,
Marine Corps, and Coast Guard that qualified after April 5, 1917, thus including World War I
veterans of al services.10

4 John C Fitzpatrick, The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources 1745 -1799, vol. 24
(U.S. Government Publishing Office), p. 488.
5 Ibid.
6 Ray Raymond, Military Order of the Purple Heart, “History of the Medal” at https://www.purpleheart.org/history-of-
the-medal; and Fred. L. Borch, For Military Merit Recipients of the Purple Heart, Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute
Press, 2010: pp. 16-19.
7 Ibid, General Douglas MacArthur, War Department, General Orders No. 3, February 22, 1932.
8 Army Regulation (AR) 600-8-22, Military Awards, updated March 5, 2019, at
https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN18147_R600_8_22_admin2_FINAL.pdf .
9 Executive Order 9277, “Award of the Purple Heart to Persons Serving with the Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard
of the United States,” 7 Federal Register 10125, December 5, 1942; and President Franklin D. Roosevelt Papers, T he
American President Project, at http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=60972 .
10 Executive Order 10409, “Award of the Purple Heart to Persons Serving with the Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast
Congressional Research Service

2

The Purple Heart: Background and Issues for Congress

From 1962 until 1998, eligibility for the Purple Hearts was changed on several occasions.
President Kennedy authorized Purple Hearts to al servicemembers, and civilians serving with the
Armed Forces, who were engaged in armed conflict against an opposing military or hostile
foreign force.11 This expansion was written to permit U.S. servicemembers, and the civilians that
accompanied them, who were kil ed or wounded in Vietnam to receive the Purple Heart, as many
of those servicemembers were official y considered advisors to the Republic of Vietnam, rather
than combatants.12
Purple Heart eligibility was expanded again by President Reagan to include military personnel
and government civilians kil ed or wounded in international terrorist attacks after March 28,
1973, or those serving in peacekeeping operations outside of the United States.13 This expansion
was in response to increased terrorist attacks against U.S. servicemembers abroad, namely the
Marine Corps Barracks bombing in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1983.14
The NDAA for Fiscal Year 1996 expanded eligibility to prisoners of war injured or wounded in
captivity prior to 1962, a group of servicemembers previously not covered for Purple Heart
eligibility by President Kennedy’s executive order.15 In 1997, President Clinton signed the NDAA
for Fiscal Year 1998, which limited future awards of the Purple Heart to military personnel.16 It
has since remained a military-only award.
The Department of Defense does not maintain a record of the number of Purple Heart recipients.
However, some military historians estimated that 1.8 mil ion Purple Hearts have been awarded
mostly to soldiers since 1932.17 Likewise, the National Purple Heart Hal of Honor estimates 1.8
mil ion Purple Hearts have been awarded since the medal was established by the Army in 1932.18
During the 115th Congress (2017-2018), H.R. 7097 was introduced as the “Find our Hearts Act.”
It would have amended Title 10, United States Code, to require the establishment of a searchable
database containing the names and citations of members of the Armed Forces who have been

Guard of the United States,” 17 Federal Register 10397, November 14, 1952; and President Harry S. T ruman Papers,
T he American Presidency Project at http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=76555 .
11 Executive Order 11016, “Authorizing Award of the Purple Heart,” 27 Federal Register 4139, April 25, 1962; and
Executive Orders, National Archives at https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-
order/11016.html.
12 William B. T heyer, “The Oldest Military Decoration, the Purple Heart, is Proof Positive that One Has ‘Seen the
Elephant,’” Supplement, October 1991, p. 58.
13 Executive Order 12464, “Award of the Purple Heart ,” 49 Federal Register 7099, February 27, 1984; and President
Ronald Reagan Papers, T he American Presidency Project at https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/executive-
order-12464-award-the-purple-heart.
14 Madeline Sapienza, Peacetime Awards of the Purple Heart in the Post-Vietnam Period, U.S. Army Center for
Military History, Washington, DC, July 1987.
15 110 Stat. 186, P.L. 104-106, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996, February 10, 1996.
16 111 Stat. 1756, P.L. 105-85, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998, November 18, 1997. Some
sources report that this change was prompted by complaints from groups that were upset when President Clinton
posthumously awarded a Purple Heart to Commerce Secretary Ron Bro wn, who was killed in a plane crash while on a
government mission to Croatia in 1996. Rick Maze, “ Civilian Victims of Attacks to be Awarded Special Medal,” Air
Force Tim es, October 8, 2001: 28.
17 Fred L. Borch, For Military Merit: Recipients of the Purple Heart, (Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 2010),
p.15. Author notes that the Purple Heart was an Army -only award from 1932-1942, and therefore more soldiers
received the Purple Heart more than all sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen combined.
18 T he National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), “How many Purple Hearts have been
awarded?” at https://www.thepurpleheart.com/questions/.
Congressional Research Service

3

link to page 14 The Purple Heart: Background and Issues for Congress

awarded the Purple Heart. H.R. 7097 was referred to the House Armed Services Committee but
saw no further action. See Table 1 for similar bil s in the 116th Congress.
Current Eligibility
Currently, the Purple Heart is authorized for any member of the U.S. Armed Forces who has been
wounded or died from wounds sustained under one of the following conditions:19
(1) In accordance with E.O. 11016, subject to the provisions of Sections 1129, 1129a, and
1131 of Title 10, U.S.C., and P.L. 104-106, the Secretary of a Military Department, will,
in the name of the President of the United States, award the PH, with suitable ribbons and
appurtenances, to any Service member under the jurisdiction of that Department who, after
April 5, 1917, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may hereafter die of wounds
received under any of the following circumstances:
(a) In action against an opposing armed force of a foreign country in which U.S. Armed
Forces are or have been engaged.
(b) In any action with an opposing armed force of a foreign country in which the Military
Services are or have been engaged.
(c) While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against an
opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
(d) As a result of an act of any such enemy or opposing armed forces.
(e) As the result of an act of any hostile foreign force.
(f) After March 28, 1973, as a result of an international terrorist attack against the United
States or a foreign nation friendly to the United States, recognized as such an attack for
purposes of award of the PH by the Secretary of the Military Department concerned, or
jointly by the Secretaries of the Military Departments concerned if members from more
than one Military Department are wounded in the attack. The Secretary of the Military
Department concerned shall notify the Under Secretary for Personnel and Readiness
USD(P&R) prior to awarding the PH for an international terrorist attack that occurs in the
United States or its territories.
(g) After March 28, 1973, as a result of military operations while serving outside the
territory of the United States as part of a peacekeeping force.
(h) On or after December 7, 1941, pursuant to Section 1129 of Title 10, U.S.C., a service
member who is killed or wounded in action as the result of action by friendly weapon fire
while directly engaged in combat, other than as a result of an act of an enemy of the United
States, unless (in the case of a wound) the wound is the result of willful misconduct of the
member.
(i) Before April 25, 1962, pursuant to Section 521 of P.L. 104-106 which held as a prisoner
of war (POW), or while being taken captive in the same manner as a former POW who is
wounded on or after that date while held as a POW. A person will be considered to be a
former POW if the person is eligible for the POW Medal under Section 1128 of Title 10,
U.S.C.20

19 Department of Defense, Manual of Military Decorations and Awards: DoD-wide Performance and Valor
Decorations, Manual 1348.33, Volume 3, Change effective June 20, 2019, see 3.7. Purple Heart (PH) on pp. 21 -24 at
https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodm/134833_vol3.PDF?ver=2019 -06-20-104936-377.
20 Prisoners of War after December 7, 1941: a servicemember who has been killed (executed) or who has died (due to
living conditions or treatment by the enemy) and maintained honorable character while a prisoner of war, unless
Congressional Research Service

4

The Purple Heart: Background and Issues for Congress

(j) On or after December 7, 1941, to a Service member who is killed or dies while in
captivity as a prisoner of war (POW) under circumstances establishing eligibility for the
POW medal pursuant to section 1128 of Title 10, U.S.C., and Volume 2 of DoD Manual
1348.33, Manual of Military Decorations and Awards, unless compelling evidence is
presented that shows that the member’s death was not the result of enemy action.
(k) After September 11, 2001, pursuant to section 1129a of Title 10, U.S.C., to a Service
member on active duty who is killed or wounded in an attack by a foreign terrorist
organizations in circumstances where the death or wound is the result of an attack targeted
on the member due to such member’s status as a member of the armed forces.
1. An attack by an individual or entity shall be considered to be a foreign terrorist
attack if the individual or entity was in communication with the foreign terrorist
organization before the attack and the attack was inspired or motivated by the
foreign terrorist organization.
2. An award is not authorized if the death or wound was the result of the willful
misconduct of the Service member.
3. To assist in making a PH determination pursuant to section 1129a of Title 10,
U.S.C., the Military Department Secretary concerned may request an intelligence
assessment from the Defense Intelligence Agencies’ Defense Combating
Terrorism Center (DCTC). The DCTC assessment of potential foreign terrorist
attacks by an individual or entity will assess whether the individual or entity was
in communication with the foreign terrorist organization before the attack, and if
the attack was inspired or motivated by the foreign terrorist organization. The
assessment shall include supporting citations and rationale.
(2) A wound for which the award is made must have been of such severity that it required
treatment, not just examination, by a military medical officer.
(a) Treatment must be noted in the Servicemember’s medical record.
(b) Award may be made of wounds treated by a medical professional other than a medical
officer provided a medical officer issues a statement in the Service member’s medical
record that the extent of the wounds were such that the wounds would have required
treatment from a medical officer if one had one been available to treat the wounds.21
(3) After May 17, 1998, pursuant to Section 1131 of Title 10, U.S.C., the PH may only be
awarded to a person who is a Service member at the time the person is killed or wounded
under circumstances otherwise qualifying that person for award of the PH. Before this date,
the Secretary of the Military Department concerned was authorized to award the PH to U.S.
civilian nationals who were serving under competent au thority in any capacity with the
armed forces of that department.22

evidence shows that the servicemember’s death was not a result of enemy action (such as suicide); and POW Medal in
DOD Manual 1348.33, Volume 2, Manual of Military Decorations and Awards: DoD Service Awards – Cam paign,
Expeditionary, and Service Medals, June 20, 2019, on pp. 50-52/PDF pp. 54-56 at
https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodm/134833_Vol2.PDF?ver=2019 -06-20-104933-253.
21 Jim Garamone, “DOD Issues Purple Heart Standards for Brain Injury,” Army.mil, April 28, 2011, at
https://www.army.mil/article/60078/dod_issues_purple_heart_standards_for brain_injury; Department of Defense,
Department of Defense, Manual of Military Decorations and Awards: DoD-wide Perform ance and Valor Decorations,
Manual 1348.33, Volume 3, June 20, 2019, see 3.7. Purple Heart (PH) on pp. 21 -24 at
https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodm/134833_vol3.PDF?ver=2019 -06-20-104936-377.
22 Ibid.
Congressional Research Service

5

The Purple Heart: Background and Issues for Congress

For deceased servicemembers, the Purple Heart may be given to the representatives of the
deceased as the individual Service Secretary considers appropriate.
Servicemembers can be awarded multiple Purple Hearts for separate incidents. The
servicemember receives the Purple Heart medal for the first award. Subsequent awards are
indicated with oak leaf clusters or 5/16 inch service stars, depending on the rules of the
recipient’s service.23 Purple Hearts may not be awarded to foreign military personnel.24
Benefits for Purple Heart Recipients
Recipients of the Purple Heart are entitled to the following benefits:
 Receive priority service when they access Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health
care.25
 Automatical y granted full Post-9/11 GI Bil benefits regardless of the amount of time
they spent on active duty.26 Typical y to get the full Post-9/11 GI Bil , a veteran needs to
have served at least 36 months of active duty.
 Eligibility of Purple Heart veterans for burial and inurnment at Arlington National
Cemetery.27
 Recipients with an honorable discharge are granted a 10-point preference for federal
hiring.
 Effective April 1, 2019, recipients receive priority #1 consideration when it comes to
claims before the VA.
 Effective January 1, 2020, Purple Heart veterans and their caretakers have access to
Military Welfare and Recreation (MWR) retail and lodging facilities.
 Effective January 1, 2020, active duty members awarded the Purple Heart are exempt
from the VA Home Loan funding fee.28 Note: The funding fee applies only to the loan
amount, not the purchase price of the home.
In addition, some states offer other benefits such as special license plates, college grants and
designated parking.29

23 See an example at “Medal #6 Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Clusters,” Audie L. Murphy Memorial Website, at
http://www.audiemurphy.com/decorations006.htm. Note: Murphy was the most decorated U.S. soldier during WWII.
24 Manual of Military Decorations and Awards: DoD-wide Performance and Valor Decorations, DODM 1348.33,
Volume 3, p. 23. d. Foreign Military Personnel. T he PH may not be awarded to foreign personnel.
25 Veterans Millennium Health Care and Benefits Act, P.L. 106-117, §112; and Gerry J. Gilmore, “VA Boosts
Healthcare Priority for Purple Heart Vets,” DOD News [archived], August 29, 2000, at
https://archive.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=45352 ; and “ VA Sets Rules for Purple Heart Recipients,” VA
Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs, June 30, 2000 , at
https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=202 .
26 For details see CRS Report R45205, Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 (P.L. 115-48),
by Cassandria Dortch.
27 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), T itle 32, Part 553, Sections 12 and 13; and CRS In Focus IF11362, Defense
Prim er: Arlington National Cem etery, by Barbara Salazar T orreon.
28 P.L. 116-23, Sec. 6 (c) Waiver of Fees for Purple Heart Recipients, and VA Housing Assistance, “funding fee and
loan closing costs,” at https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/funding-fee-and-closing-costs/.
29 See list of benefits by state at Veteran State Benefits at https://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-state-benefits.
Congressional Research Service

6

link to page 18 The Purple Heart: Background and Issues for Congress

Issues for Congress
Although the decision to award medals and other military decorations traditional y rests with the
executive branch, Congress has been expanding its role in this area in recent decades, exercising
its constitutional power “To Make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and
naval forces.”30 Previously, Congress took the lead and adjusted Purple Heart eligibility in both
the NDAA for FY1996 and the NDAA for FY1998. See Appendix A. In response to some mass
shootings in recent years, Congress passed a provision in the NDAA for FY2015 that expanded
the Purple Heart’s eligibility requirements.
Domestic Terrorism and the FY2015 NDAA (P.L. 113-291)
Little Rock, Arkansas, and Fort Hood, Texas, 2009
On June 1, 2009, a man who was al egedly angry over the kil ing of Muslims in Iraq and
Afghanistan opened fire on two U.S. Army soldiers near a recruiting station in Little Rock, AR,
kil ing one and wounding the other.31 On November 5, 2009, an Army major opened fire at Ft.
Hood, TX, kil ing 13 and wounding 29, many of them servicemembers. Both men were charged
with murder and other crimes.32
Federal and local law enforcement authorities initial y considered these acts to be crimes, and the
Defense Department reports the Fort Hood shooting as “workplace violence,” not acts perpetrated
by an enemy or hostile force, which made them ineligible for the Purple Heart.33 However, some
believed these acts should be viewed as acts of war or domestic terrorism because they involved
Muslim perpetrators angered over U.S. actions in Iraq and Afghanistan.34
Section 571 of the NDAA for FY2015 (P.L. 113-291) expanded the eligibility for the Purple Heart
by redefining what should be considered an attack by a “foreign terrorist organization” for
purposes of determining eligibility for the Purple Heart. The law states that an event should be
considered an attack by a foreign terrorist organization if the perpetrator of the attack “was in
communication with the foreign terrorist organization before the attack” and “the attack was
inspired or motivated by the foreign terrorist organization.”
Stil , some are opposed to awarding the Purple Heart for terrorist acts that were initial y deemed
“workplace violence” by the Department of Defense (DOD) or a criminal act, and not earned on a
battlefield.35 This act arguably sets a precedent for the future and could make Purple Heart

30 U.S. Constitution, Art. I, §8, clause 14.
31 Steve Barnes and James Dao, “Gunman Kills Soldier outside Recruiting Station,” The New York Times, June 2, 2009,
at http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/02/us/02recruit.html?_r=1.
32 Ibid.
33 Department of Defense, “DOD Releases Final Fort Hood Review,” [Archived] Press Release No: 749-10, August 20,
2010, at http://archive.defense.gov/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=13816.
34 Sig Christenson, “Some Labeling Hasan T errorist,” San Antonio Express-News, August 13, 2012, at
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/article/Some-labeling-Hasan-terrorist -3783225.php.
35 Secretary of Defense Memorandum, “Final Recommendations of the Ft. Hood Follow-on Review,” August 18, 2010,
at http://archive.defense.gov/news/d20100820FortHoodFollowon.pdf; and Protecting the Force: Lessons From Fort
Hood, DOD Independent Review Related to Fort Hood, January 2010, see Finding 2.6 on pp. 15 -16 (PDF pp.19-20), at
https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a513143.pdf.
Congressional Research Service

7

The Purple Heart: Background and Issues for Congress

eligibility more subjective, al owing public sentiment to determine what events are worthy of a
Purple Heart.
On April 10, 2015, then Army Secretary John McHugh and Army Lieutenant General Sean
MacFarland, 3rd Corps and Fort Hood commanding general, presented Purple Hearts to the
families of the 10 servicemembers kil ed and to the 26 servicemembers wounded during the
attack.36 Defense of Freedom Medals were also awarded to DOD civilians kil ed and wounded
during the attack. In a memorandum, Secretary McHugh directed the Army to “expedite certain
other benefits for which soldiers receiving the Purple Heart are traditional y eligible.”37
In addition to the victims of the Fort Hood shooting, the two victims of the June 2009, shooting at
a recruiting station in Little Rock, Arkansas, received Purple Hearts on July 1, 2015. Army
Private Wil iam Andrew “Andy” Long was kil ed and Army Private Quinton Ezeagwula was
wounded in that attack by Abdulhakim Muhammad, who was convicted and sentenced to life in
prison without the possibility of parole.38
NDAA for FY2016 (H.R. 1735)
Encouraged by the expanded eligibility provision in the NDAA for FY2015, legislation was
introduced during the 114th Congress to award Purple Hearts to other military victims of domestic
terrorism.39 Section 583 of the House-passed version of H.R. 1735, the NDAA for FY2016,
would have awarded the Purple Heart to servicemembers who were victims of the April 19, 1995,
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma bombing. Supporters for awarding the Purple Heart to the victims of
the Oklahoma City bombing refer to the FY2015 NDAA as precedent. However, critics contend
that the bombing was an act of domestic terrorism and does not meet the current eligibility
requirements of the assailant being inspired by or motivated by an international terrorist
organization. The final version of the FY2016 NDAA (P.L. 114-92) did not include this provision.
Chattanooga Shooting on July 16, 2015
On July 16, 2015, Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez shot at a Marine Corps recruiting center and
Naval Reserve Center in Chattanooga, TN. This incident again raised congressional interest
regarding the eligibility for the Purple Heart for servicemembers kil ed and wounded during an
attack inspired by or motivated by international terrorist organizations. Four marines were kil ed
and one was injured during the rampage, and the lone sailor later died from his injuries.40 The FBI

36 Heather Graham-Ashley, “Fort Hood Shooting Victims, Families Receive Medals,” DOD News, April 11, 2015, at
https://dod.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/604443/fort-hood-shooting-victims-families-receive-medals/.
37 Army Public Affairs, “ McHugh orders benefits be provided to Purple Heart recipients,” April 16, 2015, at
https://www.army.mil/article/146546/mchugh_orders_benefits_be_provided_to_purple_heart_recipients; and Michelle
T an, “Army Extends Benefits to Hood Shooting Victims,” Army Times, April 16, 2015, at
https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2015/04/16/army-extends-benefits-to-hood-shooting-victims/.
38 Claudia Lauer, “ Army Recruiters Shot in Little Rock to Receive Purple Heart,” Military Times, April 16, 2015, at
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2015/04/17/army-recruiters-shot-in-little-rock-to-receive-purple-
heart/.
39 CRS Report R44120, FY2016 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Issues, by Kristy N.
Kamarck, Lawrence Kapp, and Barbara Salazar T orreon . See section “ Award of the Purple Heart to members of the
Armed Forces who were victims of the Oklahoma City, OK, bombing.
40 Killed were the following Marines: Sgt. Carson Holmquist, Gunnery Sgt. T homas J. Sullivan, Lance Cpl. Squire K.
Wells, and Staff Sgt. David A. Wyatt; and Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Randall Smith. Marine Sgt. DeMonte Cheeley
was injured but survived the attack.
Congressional Research Service

8

The Purple Heart: Background and Issues for Congress

investigation later concluded that Abdulazeez was “motivated by foreign terrorist organization
propaganda,” but that it was difficult to determine which terrorist group may have inspired him.41
On December 16, 2015, then-Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced that the Purple Heart
would be awarded to five servicemembers kil ed and one wounded in the July 2015 shootings at
two naval centers in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Secretary Mabus stated that “following an
extensive investigation, the FBI and NCIS have determined that this attack was inspired by a
foreign terrorist group, the final criteria required for the awarding of the Purple Heart to this
Sailor and these Marines.”42
On January 14, 2016, then-Navy Vice Admiral Robin Braun presented the Purple Heart to the
family of Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Randal Smith at the Navy Operational Support Center
Chattanooga.43 Brigadier General Terry V. Wil iams presented the Purple Heart on January 26,
2016, to Sergeant DeMonte R. Cheeley, who survived the attack, at a ceremony in Chattanooga.44
On April 20, 2016, Lieutenant General Rex McMil ian, then-head of Marine Corps Forces
Reserve, presented Purple Hearts to the families of Gunnery Sergeant Thomas Sullivan, Staff
Sergeant David Wyatt, Sergeant Carson Holmquist, and Lance Corporal Squire “Skip” Wel s in a
ceremony at the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga.45
Attack on Paris-Bound Train, August 21, 2015
U.S. Airman 1st Class Spencer Stone was onboard a train from Amsterdam to Paris with two
friends, Anthony Sadler and Alek Skarlatos, when they subdued a heavily armed gunman who
attempted to fire an AK-47 at the passengers. Stone was stabbed in the face and neck by the
gunman as the trio restrained him before he could discharge his weapon. The vacationing
Americans were hailed as heroes and awarded the French Legion of Honor on August 24, 2015.
On September 14, 2015, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James announced that Stone would
receive the Purple Heart along with the Airman’s Medal, the Air Force’s highest noncombat
award.46 At the Pentagon on September 17, 2015, then-Defense Secretary Ash Carter presented
Stone the Purple Heart and Airman’s Medal. During the ceremony, Carter presented the Soldier’s
Medal to Oregon National Guard Specialist Alek Skarlatos, and civilian Anthony Sadler received
the Secretary of Defense Medal for Valor.47

41 Kristina Sgueglia, “Chattanooga shootings ‘inspired’ by terrorists, FBI chief says,” CNN, December 16, 2015, at
http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/16/us/chattanooga-shooting-terrorist-inspiration/.
42 U.S. Navy, Office of the Chief of Information, “SECNAV Awards Purple Heart to Chattanooga Sailor and Marines,”
Story Number: NNS151216-15, December 16, 2015, at http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=92467.
43 Navy Operational Support Center Chattanooga, “Purple Heart Ceremony Honors L ogistics Specialist 2nd Class
Randall Smith,” Story Number: NNS160115-07, January 15, 2016, at http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?
story_id=92724.
44 Jeffrey Schogol, “Marine wounded in Chattanooga attack receives Purple Heart,” Marine Times, January 26, 2016, at
https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/story/military/2016/01/26/marine-wounded-chattanooga-attack-receives-purple-
heart/79365006/.
45 Matthew L. Schehl, “Families of Marines killed in Chattanooga attack receive Purple Hearts,” Marine Times, April
20, 2016, at https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/story/military/2016/04/20/families-marines-killed-chattanooga-attack-
receive-purple-hearts/83286802/.
46 Stephen Losey, “Airman Spencer Stone, hero in foiled French terror plot, to receive Purple Heart,” Air Force Times,
September 14, 2015, at https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2015/09/14/airman-spencer-stone-hero-in-
foiled-french-terror-plot-to-receive-purple-heart/.
47 David Vergun, “Carter Honors 3 who Stopped Gunman on Paris-Bound T rain,” Army News Service, September 17,
2015, at https://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/617702/carter -honors-3-who-stopped-gunman-on-paris-bound-
Congressional Research Service

9

The Purple Heart: Background and Issues for Congress

Orlando Shooting on June 12, 2016
On June 12, 2016, a security guard, Omar Mateen, kil ed 49 people and wounded 53 others in an
attack inside Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Army Reserve Captain Antonio Davon
Brown48 was one of the 49 people kil ed and may be eligible for the Purple Heart depending on
the outcome of the FBI investigation. According to the FBI, Mateen had pledged al egiance to the
Islamic State group after his attack in a cal to 911.49 At this time, it is unclear if the Army wil
make a decision regarding Captain Brown’s eligibility for the Purple Heart.
Naval Air Station Pensacola on December 6, 2019
On December 6, 2019, Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani, a military officer from Saudi Arabia, used
a handgun to open fire on a classroom at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola in Florida.50 He
kil ed three flight training students (Ensign Joshua Watson, Airman Mohammed Haitham and
Airman Cameron Walters) and injured eight more. Alshamrani died in a shootout with sheriff’s
officers. Based on the Department of Justice and FBI’s investigation, the attack was determined
an act of terrorism after the shooter was found to have been inspired by jihadi ideology.51
Officials with Naval Education and Training Command announced that the three servicemembers
kil ed and those injured wil receive Purple Hearts. A planned March 16, 2020 award ceremony
was postponed indefinitely due to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).52
Private Corrado Piccoli Purple Heart Preservation Act
On September 28, 2016, H.R. 6234 was introduced to amend Title 18, U.S.C., to provide for
penalties for the sale of any Purple Heart awarded to a member of the Armed Forces. This
legislation would have made sel ing the medal punishable by fines and up to six months in prison.
H.R. 6234 would have placed the Purple Heart into a new protected category, keeping it away
from not just con artists but also memorabilia collectors.53 The measure was named for Private
Corrado Piccoli, a World War II infantryman kil ed in action in 1944, whose Purple Heart was

train/.
48 DOD News, “Statement by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on the Death of Army Reserve Captain Antonio
Brown,” Press Release No: NR-216-16, June 14, 2016, at https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-
Release-View/Article/799493/statement -by-secretary-of-defense-ash-carter-on-the-death-of-army-reserve-capta/.
49 FBI T ampa, “Investigative Update Regarding Pulse Nightclub Shooting,” June 20, 2016, at https://www.fbi.gov/
contact -us/field-offices/tampa/news/press-releases/investigative-update-regarding-pulse-nightclub-shooting; and T ara
Copp, “DOD: Soldier slain in Orlando attack might qualify for Purple Heart,” Stars and Stripes, June 16, 2016, at
https://www.stripes.com/news/dod-soldier-slain-in-orlando-attack-might -qualify-for-purple-heart-
1.415017#.WeET5FGQxEY.
50 Courtney Mabeus, “Saudi gunman and at least 3 victims reported dead at NAS Pensacola,” Navy Times, December 6,
2019, at https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2019/12/06/active-shooter-at-nas-pensacola-reported-dead/.
51 Gina Harkins, “T roops Wounded in Pensacola Shooting to Be Awarded Heroism Medals, Purple Hearts,”
Military.com, March 9, 2020, at https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/03/09/sailors-wounded-pensacola-
shooting-be-awarded-heroism-medals-purple-hearts.html; and “ Naval Air Station Pensacola Investigation Update,”
DOD New Release, May 18, 2020, at https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2190048/naval-
air-station-pensacola-investigation-update/.
52 Annie Blanks, “NAS Pensacola medals ceremony for shooting responders postponed over coronavirus concerns,”
Pensacola News Journal, March 10, 2020, at https://www.pnj.com/story/news/2020/03/10/nas-pensacola-postpones-
purple-heart -ceremony-due-coronavirus-concerns/5009794002/.
53 Leo Shane III, “Selling Purple Hearts would be illegal if this bill becomes law,” Military Times, October 3, 2016, at
https://www.militarytimes.com/pay-benefits/military-benefits/2016/10/03/selling-purple-hearts-would-be-illegal-if-
this-bill-becomes-law/.
Congressional Research Service

10

link to page 14 link to page 14 The Purple Heart: Background and Issues for Congress

found for sale at an antique store in 2009.54 This bil was referred to the House Judiciary
Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations but saw no further
action in the 114th Congress. This legislation was reintroduced in the 115th Congress on January
13, 2017, as H.R. 544, the Private Corrado Piccoli Purple Heart Preservation Act of 2017, and a
related bil , S. 765, was passed by the Senate on August 3, 2017. Both bil s were referred to
committee in the House but saw no further action. See Table 1 for similar bil s in the 116th
Congress.
FY2019 NDAA and Purple Heart Recipients
The House version of the NDAA for FY2019, H.R. 5515, included a provision (Section 629) that
would extend certain morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) privileges to certain veterans,
including Purple Hearts recipients, and their caregivers. This bil became P.L. 115-232 on August
13, 2018. Section 621 of the enacted bil extended eligibility of certain MWR and commissary
privileges to certain veterans, including Purple Heart recipients, and their caregivers starting
January 1, 2020. For additional information see section, “Defense Commissary System,” in CRS
Report R45343, FY2019 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Issues,
and CRS In Focus IF11089, Defense Primer: Military Commissaries and Exchanges, by Kristy
N. Kamarck and Barbara Salazar Torreon.
116th Congress Legislation
For bil summaries of Purple Heart legislation in the 116th Congress as introduced, see Table 1.
On January 8, 2019, H.R. 299, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019, was
introduced and include a provision (SEC 6 (c)) to waive fees for home loans to Purple Heart
recipients. H.R. 299 was enacted on June 25, 2019, as P.L. 116-23. For more information, see
CRS In Focus IF11368, Expansion of Benefits to Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans, by Heather
M. Salazar.
On January 15, 2019, S. 122, Private Corrado Piccoli Purple Heart Preservation Act, was
introduced in the 116th Congress. The bil was read twice and referred to the Senate Judiciary
Committee. Related bil H.R. 2911 was introduced on May 5, 2019, and referred to the House
Judiciary’s Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security on June 26, 2019.
Table 1. Purple Heart Legislation in the 116th Congress (2019-2020)
Bill Number and
Date Introduced
Title
Latest Action
H.R. 299 on
Blue Water Navy Vietnam
6/25/2019—Became Public
1/08/2019
Veterans Act of 2019
Law No: 116-23. Section
SEC. 6. Loans Guaranteed
under Home Loan Program
of Department of Veterans
Affairs. ((c) Waiver of Fees
for Purple Heart Recipients.
S. 122 on
Private Corrado Piccoli
1/15/2019—Referred to the
1/15/2019
Purple Heart Preservation
Senate Committee on the
Act
Judiciary.

54 Ibid.
Congressional Research Service

11

The Purple Heart: Background and Issues for Congress

Bill Number and
Date Introduced
Title
Latest Action
H.R. 1448 on
To amend Title 38, United
3/29/2019—Referred to the
2/28/2019
States Code, to waive fees
House Veterans' Affairs
for Purple Heart recipients
Committee, Subcommittee
serving on active duty for
on Economic Opportunity.
loans guaranteed under the
home loan program of
Department of Veterans
Affairs.
H.R. 1830 on
National Purple Heart Hal of
9/23/2019— Received in
3/18/2019
Honor Commemorative
the Senate and Read twice
Coin Act
and referred to the House
Committee on Banking,
Housing, and Urban Affairs.

H.R. 2395 on
To authorize the President to 4/30/2019—Referred to the
4/29/2019
award the Purple Heart to
House Committee on
Louis Boria, Jr., for injuries
Armed Services,
incurred during World War
Subcommittee on Military
II and the Korean War while
Personnel.
a member of the Marine
Corps.
H.R. 2655 on
Purple Heart Freedom to
5/09/2019—Referred to the
5/09/2019
Work Act
House Committee on Ways
and Means.

H.R. 2911 on
Private Corrado Piccoli
6/26/2019—Referred to the
5/22/2019
Purple Heart Preservation
House Committee on the
Act
Judiciary, Subcommittee on
Crime, Terrorism, and
Homeland Security.
S. 2042 on
National Purple Heart Hal of
6/27/2019—Read twice and
6/27/2019
Honor Commemorative
referred to the Committee
Coin Act
on Banking, Housing, and
Urban Affairs.
S. 2815 on
National Purple Heart Honor
11/07/2019—Read twice
11/07/2019
Mission Commemorative
and referred to the Senate
Coin Act
Committee on Banking,
Housing, and Urban Affairs.
H.R. 5237 on
Purple Heart Flag Act
2/19/2019 Referred to the
11/21/2019
House Committee on the
Judiciary, Subcommittee on
the Constitution, Civil
Rights, and Civil Liberties.
Sources: Congress.gov.
Congressional Research Service

12

The Purple Heart: Background and Issues for Congress

Traumatic Brain Injuries, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and the
Purple Heart
The large number of veterans with invisible wounds55 returning from Iraq and Afghanistan has
the Department of Defense reevaluating Purple Heart eligibility for traumatic brain injuries and
mental conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder.56 DOD considers some TBIs eligible for
the Purple Heart, as many of those injuries can be diagnosed using brain scans and other objective
medical tests.57 However, there is continued debate on the inclusion of mental conditions, such as
PTSD, as part of the appropriate criteria for the Purple Heart. Congress, as wel as various
executive agencies and departments, is funding and conducting studies regarding PTSD.58 The
National Al iance on Mental Il ness, a national grassroots advocacy group representing families
and people affected by mental il ness, is advocating that the Purple Heart be awarded for
psychological wounds including PTSD to eliminate stigma and encourage servicemembers to
seek care.59
At this time, DOD does not consider servicemembers with PTSD eligible for the Purple Heart.
Army Regulation 600-8-22 al ows “concussion injuries caused as a result of enemy generated
explosions” but specifical y disqualifies post-traumatic stress disorders.60 Army guidance
emphasizes “the degree to which the enemy caused the injury” when determining eligibility and
places PTSD in a column of noneligible injuries.61 The Marine Corps defines PTSD as a “severe
combat stress injury” and says that combat stress injuries are “not directly caused by the enemy’s
intentional use of an outside force or agent,” and thus do not qualify.62

55 “Invisible wounds” is a term used to describe psychological and cognitive injuries. See T erri T anielian and Lisa H.
Jaycox, editors, Invisible Wounds of War: Psychological and Cognitive Injuries, Their Consequences, and Services to
Assist Recovery, Rand Corporation, 2008, at http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monographs/2008/
RAND_MG720.sum.pdf.
56 T he National Institutes of Health (NIH) classifies PT SD as an anxiety disorder that often occurs after experiencing a
traumatic event, such as disaster, assault, abuse, prison, or war. T he cause of PT SD is unknown, although
psychological, genetic, social, and physical factors are involved. T here are also no tests to diagnose PT SD; doctors
make the diagnosis based on a medical professional’s judgment of the symptoms. It is unclear why a traumatic event
causes PT SD in some people and not in others. NIH Post -T raumatic Stress Disorder site at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/
health/publications/post -traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml. See also “ Information about the Purple Heart and
Mild T raumatic Brain Injury (MT BI)” at https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Purple%20Heart.
57 Jim Garamone, “DOD Issues Purple Heart Standards for Brain Injury,” American Forces Press Service, April 28,
2011, at https://www.army.mil/article/60078, and “ Army Clarifies Award of Purple Heart for Concussion,” American
Forces Press Service, May 2, 2011, at http://www.army.mil/article/55850/; and Chad Garand, “ 14 Years After He Was
Wounded in a Blast, Iraq Veteran Gets a Purple Heart for His T BI,” Stars and Stripes, February 4, 2020, at
https://www.stripes.com/news/veterans/14-years-after-he-was-wounded-in-a-blast-iraq-veteran-gets-a-purple-heart-for-
his-tbi-1.617546.
58 CRS Report R40941, Health Care for Veterans: Traumatic Brain Injury, by Erin Bagalman.
59 National Alliance on Mental Illness, Parity for Patriots: The Mental Health Needs of Military Personnel, Veterans,
and their Fam ilies, Arlington, VA, June 2012, p. 7, via the Suicide Prevention Resource Center at
https://www.sprc.org/resources-programs/parity-patriots-mental-health-needs-military-personnel-veterans-their-
families.
60 Department of the Army, Army Regulation 600-8-22, Military Awards, updated 5 March 2019, See g. Some
examples of injuries which do not justify eligibility for the PH on p. 25 (PDF p. 39 of 227 pages), at
https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN18147_R600_8_22_admin2_FINAL.pdf . See also
CRS Insight IN11221, Managem ent of Mild Traum atic Brain Injury (m TBI) in the Military, by Bryce H. P. Mendez.
61 Ibid.
62 Manpower Management Division, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Headquarters Marine Corps, Purple Heart Medal-
Revised Criteria for Mild Traum atic Brain Injury and Updated Coordinating Instructions, MARADMIN 245/11, April
Congressional Research Service

13

The Purple Heart: Background and Issues for Congress

Servicemembers are divided on this issue. Some servicemembers believe that mental injuries
such as PTSD should be eligible for the Purple Heart, while others believe that it would dishonor
those who have received Purple Hearts for physical injuries.63 Proponents argue that some
veterans are less likely to seek help for their mental-health injuries because of the stigma
associated with PTSD, and that stigma could be lessened by recognizing their injuries as real.64
Opponents, including some veterans from the Military Order of the Purple Heart and Veterans of
Foreign Wars, are resistant to accepting PTSD as grounds for eligibility. A representative of The
Military Order of the Purple Heart stated, “We believe strongly in and support the criteria that the
wound or death should be sustained in combat at the hands of the enemies of the United States.”65
In addition, the national spokesman for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Joseph E. Davis, said,
“Medals aren’t awarded for il ness or disease, but for ‘achievement and valor.’”66
Figure 1. The Purple Heart Medal
Obverse (Front)
Reverse (Back)

Source: The Institute of Heraldry, Personal Decorations: Purple Heart.

15, 2011, at http://www.marines.mil/News/Messages/Messa ges-Display/Article/888214/purple-heart -medal-revised-
criteria-for-mild-traumatic-brain-injury-and-updated/.
63 Jacqueline Klimas, “Fort Hood’s Mentally Wounded Veterans Don’t Qualify for Purple Hearts 2009 Shooting,”
Washington Tim es, April 9, 2015, at http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/apr/9/ft-hoods-mentally-wounded-
veterans-dont-qualify-fo/.
64 Nathan Fletcher, “Veterans with Mental-Health Injuries Deserve Purple Hearts, too,” Washington Post, May 29,
2017, at https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/veterans-with-mental-health-injuries-deserve-purple-hearts-
too/2017/05/29/b1210a3e-4250-11e7-9869-bac8b446820a_story.html?utm_term=.b922f44d91db.
65 Ibid.
66 Barrie Barber, “Purple Hearts for PT SD Debated,” Dayton Daily News, June 17, 2012, at
http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/news/local/purple-hearts-for-ptsd-debated-3/nPgwh/.
Congressional Research Service

14

The Purple Heart: Background and Issues for Congress

Appendix A. Timeline of Purple Heart Eligibility
August 7, 1782: George Washington creates the Badge of Military Merit. Awarded to several
Continental soldiers, but it quickly fal s from use.
February 22, 1932: Army Chief of Staff General Douglas MacArthur revives the Badge of
Military Merit as an Army award, renamed “the Purple Heart,” and retroactively awarded to
wounded WWI veterans.
December 3, 1942: Executive Order 9277—President Franklin Roosevelt expands Purple Heart
eligibility to include U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Retroactively awards Purple
Hearts to December 6, 1941.
November 12, 1952: Executive Order 10409—President Truman retroactively awards Purple
Hearts to U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard veterans after April 5, 1917.
April 25, 1962: Executive Order 11016—President Kennedy extends eligibility to civilians
serving with military forces.
February 23, 1984: Executive Order 12464—President Reagan awards Purple Hearts to those
kil ed and wounded in terrorist attacks after March 28, 1973, or on peacekeeping missions outside
the United States.
February 10, 1996: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 (Section 521, P.L.
104-106) includes “prisoners of war wounded before April 25, 1962, while held as a prisoner of
war (or while being taken captive) in the same manner as a former prisoner of war who is
wounded on or after that date while held as a prisoner of war (or while being taken captive).”
November 18, 1997: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 (Section 571, P.L.
105-85) limits future Purple Heart awards to members of the Armed Forces.
October 17, 2006: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (Section 556, P.L.
109-364) includes prisoners of war captured after December 7, 1941.
April 30, 2008: Purple Heart Family Equity Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-207) revises the congressional
charter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart to authorize associate membership for the spouse
and siblings of a recipient of the Purple Heart medal.
December 19, 2014: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Section 571, P.L.
113-291) expands eligibility for the Purple Heart by redefining what should be considered an
attack by a foreign terrorist organization, and awards Purple Heart medals to servicemembers
wounded or kil ed during the 2009 shootings at Ft. Hood, Texas, and Little Rock, Arkansas.
Congressional Research Service

15

The Purple Heart: Background and Issues for Congress

Appendix B. Staffer Instructions for
Medal Requests
Members of Congress are able to directly request that a Service Secretary consider awarding
military decorations to individuals or groups. Upon receiving a request from a Member’s office,
the Service Secretary concerned wil review the proposal for the award or presentation of a
decoration (or the upgrading of a decoration).
Based on that review, the Secretary shal determine the merits of approving the award or
presentation of the decoration and other necessary determinations. The Secretary shal submit a
notice to the requesting Member, the Senate Armed Services Committee, and the House Armed
Services Committee with one of the following results:
(1) The award or presentation of the decoration does not warrant approval on the merits. A
statement explaining the Secretary’s reason will be included.
(2) The award or presentation of the decoration warrants approval and a waiver by law of
time restrictions prescribed by law is recommended.
(3) The award or presentation of the decoration warrants approval on the merits and has
been approved as an exception to policy.
(4) The award or presentation of the decoration warrants approval on the merits, but a
waiver of the time restrictions prescribed in law is not recommended. A statement
explaining the Secretary’s reason will be included.
Source: Compiled from the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 (P.L. 104-106,
§526), February 10, 1996.

Author Information

Barbara Salazar Torreon

Senior Research Librarian

Acknowledgments
Carol D. Davis, Senior Research Librarian, contributed information for this report update.
Congressional Research Service

16

The Purple Heart: Background and Issues for Congress

Disclaimer
This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan
shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and
under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should n ot be relied upon for purposes other
than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in
connection with CRS’s institutional role. CRS Reports, as a work of the United States Government, are not
subject to copyright protection in the United States. Any CRS Report may be reproduced and distributed in
its entirety without permission from CRS. However, as a CRS Report may include copyrighted images or
material from a third party, you may need to obtain the permission of the copyright holder if you wish to
copy or otherwise use copyrighted material.

Congressional Research Service
R42704 · VERSION 20 · UPDATED
17