The
Purple Heart is an American
decoration-the oldest military decoration in the world in present use and the first
American award made available to the common soldier. It was initially created as
the Badge of Military Merit by one of the world's most
famed and best-loved heroes-General
George Washington. General Washington is often pictured as a cold, stern soldier,
a proud aristocrat. Yet we know he showed sympathy and concern for his troops, and
was not too proud to pray humbly on his knees for his beloved country and for the
men who served it, and him, so bravely and loyally. His keen appreciation of the
importance of the common soldier in any campaign impelled him to recognize outstanding
valor and merit by granting a commission or an advance in rank to deserving individuals.
In the summer of 1782 he was ordered by the Continental Congress to cease doing
so-there were no funds to pay the soldiers, much less the officers!
Deprived of his usual means of reward, he must have
searched for a substitute. Shortly after receiving the "stop" order from Congress,
he wrote his memorable General Orders of August 7, 1782, which read in part as follows:
"The General, ever desirous
to cherish virtuous ambition in his soldiers as well as foster and encourage every
species of military merit, directs that whenever any singularly meritorious action
is performed, the author of it shall be permitted to wear on his facings, over his
left breast, the figure of a heart in purple cloth or silk edged with narrow lace
or binding. Not only instances of unusual gallantry but also of extraordinary fidelity
and essential service in any way shall meet with due reward. The name and regiment
of the persons so certified are to be enrolled in a Book of Merit which shall be
kept in the orderly room." The order further states: "Men who have merited this
distinction to be suffered to pass all guards and sentinels which officers are permitted
to do. The order to be retroactive to the earliest stages of the war, and to be
a permanent one." Washington ended his order with: "The road to glory in a patriot
army and a free country is thus open to all."