Purple Heart
Awarded by the
Department of Defense
Department of Homeland Security
TypeMilitary medal (Decoration)
EligibilityMilitary personnel
Awarded for"Being wounded or killed in any action against an enemy of the United States or as a result of an act of any such enemy or opposing armed forces"
StatusCurrently awarded
DescriptionObverse profile of George Washington
Statistics
First awardedFebruary 22, 1932
Total awardedApproximately 1,910,162 (as of June 5, 2010)
Precedence
Next (higher)Bronze Star Medal
Next (lower)Defense Meritorious Service Medal