There is a proud history to an award which was created for “gallantry but also of extraordinary fidelity and essential service.”

The Order to establish the first Purple Heart was issued by George Washington during the Revolutionary War.

The official papers, signed by Washington were saved from burning during the War of 1812. The famous award was revived in 1932 by President Hoover and General Douglas MacArthur.

Today, as in the past, the single bond that unites members of the Order is that each has sustained a wound inflicted by an enemy in combat.

There is no exclusion by war or branch of service – the members’ common bond is that they have given of their own blood.

The Order exists to serve not only combat wounded, but all veterans and their dependants.