Purple Heart
Awarded by the Department of Defense Department of Homeland Security
Type | Military medal (Decoration)
Eligibility | Military 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"
Status | Currently awarded
Description | Obverse profile of George Washington
Statistics
First awarded | February 22, 1932
Total awarded | Approximately 1,910,162 (as of June 5, 2010)
Precedence
Next (higher) | Bronze Star Medal
Next (lower) | Defense Meritorious Service Medal