Purple Heart
Wounded soldier's medal
The Purple Heart is a U.S. military decoration awarded to service members wounded or killed in combat.
Established by George Washington in 1782 as the Badge of Military Merit, it was revived in 1932.
The medal features a purple heart-shaped badge with Washington's profile.
He received a Purple Heart for injuries sustained in Afghanistan. (Lowercase purple heart is a type of wood.)
Honor given for merit
- decorationObject adding visual appeal
- commendationFormal expression of approval
- citationMention of a source
- valorCourage in danger
gallantry · heroism · distinction · insignia · badge · ribbon · ceremony · presentation
Having dropped down
- killed in actionDied during combat operations
- ultimate sacrificeDying for a cause
- patriotismDevotion to one's homeland
- dutyRequired moral task
honor · service · memorial · remembrance · tribute · loss · dedication · selflessness
Physical or psychological harm
- traumaLasting psychological wound
- casualtyPerson harmed in disaster
- shrapnelScattered explosion fragments
- gunshotFirearm's explosive report
amputation · scar · recovery · rehabilitation · pain · suffering · laceration · fracture
Representational mark or sign
- textingSending typed mobile messages
- social mediaOnline content-sharing platforms
- veteran supportAssistance for former servicemembers
- solidarityUnity among allies
appreciation · gratitude · icon · digital · expression · tribute · remembrance · honor
award
Honor given for merit
- decorationObject adding visual appeal
- commendationFormal expression of approval
- citationMention of a source
valor · gallantry · heroism · distinction · insignia · badge · ribbon · ceremony · presentation · pinning
fallen
Having dropped down
- killed in actionDied during combat operations
- ultimate sacrificeDying for a cause
- patriotismDevotion to one's homeland
duty · honor · service · memorial · remembrance · tribute · loss · dedication · selflessness · soldier
injury
Physical or psychological harm
- traumaLasting psychological wound
- casualtyPerson harmed in disaster
- shrapnelScattered explosion fragments
gunshot · amputation · scar · recovery · rehabilitation · pain · suffering · laceration · fracture · concussion
symbol
Representational mark or sign
- textingSending typed mobile messages
- social mediaOnline content-sharing platforms
- veteran supportAssistance for former servicemembers
solidarity · appreciation · gratitude · icon · digital · expression · tribute · remembrance · honor · awareness
- medalsgold medal, silver medal, bronze medal, medal, Olympic medal
- Military DecorationsMedal of Honor, Bronze Star, Silver Star, Navy Cross, combat ribbon
- military honorsMedal of Honor, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Navy Cross, Victoria Cross
- military medalsMedal of Honor, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Iron Cross, Victoria Cross
- Naval HonorsNavy Cross, Medal of Honor, Bronze Star, Silver Star, battle stars
- U.S. MilitaryArmy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Pentagon
Purple HeartMedal of Honor
Peak military valor recognition
Bronze Star · Silver Star · Navy Cross · Air Force Cross · achievement award
heart, purple, hearty, heartless, heartily, disheartened, dishearten, disheartening, purplish