According to MilitaryBenefits.info, Purple Heart Day is observed each year and is a time for Americans to remember and honor the brave men and women who were either wounded on the battlefield or paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives. Purple Heart Day is also known as National Purple Heart Day, Purple Heart Recognition Day, and Purple Heart Appreciation Day.
August 7 is Purple Heart Day, and here are eight things you should know:
- Established in 1782, the Purple Heart is the oldest Military Award that is still presented to American Service Members.
- The Purple Heart is presented to all ranks and was one of the first awards in military history to be given to lower-ranking and enlisted soldiers.
- In 1942, the President Roosevelt and the War Department expanded eligibility to include all military branches of service and the authorization for the Purple Heart to be awarded posthumously.
- The first Purple Heart was awarded during the Revolutionary War.
- Some famous Purple Heart recipients include James Arness, James Garner, Charles Bronson, Rod Serling, Kurt Vonnegut, Oliver Stone, and Pat Tillman.
- The first woman to receive the Purple Heart was Army Lt. Annie Fox, for demonstrating bravery during war in 1942.
- John F. Kennedy is the only U.S. President awarded the Purple Heart.
- Curry Haynes, who served in the Army during the Vietnam War, earned 10 Purple Hearts during his military career.