What the Purple Heart is
The Purple Heart is a heart-shaped medal awarded to members of the US armed forces who are wounded or killed by an enemy’s action. It is identified by its purple-enameled heart, its gold-colored border, the bust of George Washington on the front, and the words “For Military Merit” on the back.
A brief history
George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit in 1782, the earliest form of the Purple Heart. The award was revived in 1932, for the 200th anniversary of Washington’s birth, as a decoration for wounds. Other armies recognized wounds in different ways. Germany, for example, used a Wound Badge in black, silver and gold grades based on the number of wounds.
How to identify a Purple Heart
- Shape and enamel: a heart-shaped medal with a purple center and a gold-colored border.
- Front: a bust of George Washington in profile, with his arms above.
- Back: the words “For Military Merit.” Some medals are engraved with a name, and many are not.
- Ribbon: purple with white edges.
- Suspension: check the suspension ring or bar against the construction typical of the period and the maker.
- Maker marks: some medals carry a maker’s mark on the back or the rim. Compare any mark with a reference, because marks can be copied.
Variations by era and maker
Several manufacturers made Purple Hearts over many years, and details such as finish, lettering and attachment vary. Do not assume a single standard. A feature that is unusual for one maker may be normal for another. Use a reference guide that covers the period you are researching.
Oak leaf clusters
A Purple Heart can be awarded more than once. Each later award is shown with an oak leaf cluster on the ribbon. Check that the cluster is attached in a way that fits the period and the ribbon, and check the service record for the second award.
Naming and engraving
A named Purple Heart with a documented recipient can be worth more, and a name gives you a starting point for research. But many genuine Purple Hearts are unnamed. The absence of a name is not evidence of a fake. Check any name against the service record, and compare the engraving style with other engraving of the period.
What affects value
Many unnamed Purple Hearts sell for modest amounts. Named, documented pieces may sell for more, especially when the paperwork shows the recipient’s service and wounds. Condition also matters. Do not clean the medal, because cleaning can reduce its value. For the broader factors, see military medal values.
Reproductions and fakes
Some dealers sell reproductions legally, and some are marked as reproductions. Check the medal against the identification points above, then use the guide to telling original medals from replicas to check construction, ribbon and naming.
Records and replacement
A service record lists awards, so it can confirm whether a Purple Heart was awarded. Veterans and next of kin can request the record from the National Personnel Records Center using Standard Form 180. Purple Hearts can also be awarded after a person’s death, and the award is then presented to next of kin.