The Purple Heart, the Bade of Military Merit, is awarded to military servicemen and servicewomen who are injured or killed while serving in the military. Although this medal was established since 1782 by George Washington, it was not commonly awarded"only to three Revolutionary War soldiers"until after World War I, two hundred years from George Washington's birthday. Many soldiers are awarded the
. purple heart after they receive injuries in service to the United States of America as long as it meets several criterion. It is viewed as a badge of honor and loyalty, reminding Americans everywhere to never forget those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to insure their safety and freedom at home and abroad.Well over a million Purple Hearts have been awarded, a million alone in World War II. Notable recipients include: Pat Tillman, Carlos Hathcock, James Arness, James Garner, Charles Bronson, Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., Oliver Stone, Richard Winters, Dale Dye, Warren Spahn, Lee Marvin, Charles Durning, Charles Franklin Hildebrand, Audie Murphy, John Kerry, John McCain, John F. Kennedy, General Wesley Clark, Bruce Sundlun, Steponas Darius, Rod Serling, Robert M. Polich, Sr., Colin Powell, General, Charles P. Roland, Eric Shinseki, Gilbert R. Tredway, Robert Leckie, Ron Kovic, James Jones, Rocky Bleier, Lex"a military working dog"and Salvatore Giunta.Furthermore, several soldiers have received multiple Purple Hearts. Robert Howard received the most Purple Hearts, nine in the Vietnam War. Richard J. Buck received eight Purple Hearts, four in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars; Robert T. Frederick received eight Purple Hearts in World War II; David H. Hackworth received eight Purple Hearts in the Korean and Vietnam Wars; Robert L. Howard received eight Purple Hearts in the Vietnam War; Albert L. Ireland received eight Purple Hearts, five in World War II and three in the Korean War; William L. Russell received eight Purple Hearts in World War II; William Waugh received eight Purple Hearts in the Vietnam War.More reference links: http://www.purpleheart.org/ http://www.usamilitarymedals.com/purple-heart-medal-p-45.html?gclid=CLCjyIKN4KwCFYUbQgodzzFrnA
