The Shadow
Purple Heart Day is a day of observance to commemorate the creation of the Purple Heart in 1782. Do you know the history behind the Purple Heart?
The Purple Heart was first created on August 7, 1782 by General George Washington the commander-in- chief of the Continental Army. Originally known as the Badge of Military Merit, it was awarded to three revolutionary soldiers in 1783. After the end of the American Revolution no medals were awarded until 1932 when the medal was revived on the bicentennial anniversary of George Washington’s birth.
According to a paper dated February 22, 1932, the Purple Heart Medals were to be awarded to those wounded or killed while serving in the United States Air Forces as a result of enemy action on or after April 5, 1917 as United States officially joined World War I on April 6 of that year.
The Purple Heart is a heart shaped purple medal with a gold border. The front features a profile of George Washington while the back has words “for military merit” inscribed on it. The medal is attached to a piece of purple silk with a silver border.
Current estimates show at least 1.8 million Purple Heart Medals have been awarded since it was reinstated. Today, in addition to being awarded to those who fought in wars overseas, the Purple Heart is also given to military personnel who display bravery and valor while fighting certain types of domestic terrorists (let us never forget September 11, 2011) and prisoners of war.
This observance is also called Purple Heart Appreciation Day, Purple Heart Recognition Day, and National Purple Heart Day. This day is an unofficial observance, meaning that businesses, government offices, schools, and other services remain open. Veterans and military organizations hold remembrance meetings for fallen heroes and special events to thank soldiers, veterans, and Purple Heart recipients on this day. Many people also choose to fly the American flag at their homes and businesses to show their solidarity with the troops. (americangimuseum.org).
The following is a list of PURPLE HEART recipients from our area. Some may have been omitted but, if you provide that information, we will get in the paper to honor your loved one (marianpaxton@gmail.com).
VIETNAM PURPLE HEARTS
Sgt Charles Thomas Cooke – Army – Wall location Panel 33e, Line 27
Pvt 1st Class Delmis Clayton Watson – Army – Wall location Panel 18w, Line 26
1st LT Gary Lee Miller – Army – Wall Location Panel 32w, Line 45
Corp Michael Fleming Folland – Army – Wall Location Panel W21, Line 51
Gary Bishop – Army – 2 Purple hearts
Pvt 1st Class – Willie Milton Blakey – Army
Matthew Henry Menefee, Jr – Air Force
Seaman Apprentice William Henry Harrison, III – Navy – Wall location Panel 01w Line 77
Spec Four Ralph Wayne Broughman – Army – Wall location Panel 01e Line 85
Pvt 1st Class – Michael Lee Jenkins – US Marines – Wall location Panel 3w, Line 50
Petty Officer 3rd Class Thomas James Craghead. Jr – Navy – Wall location Panel 37e, Line 20
Staff Sargent Fred Edward Barnett – Air Force – Wall location Panel 18e, Line 90
Spec 5 Roy Darrel Humphry – Army – Wall Location Panel 52e Line 19
Pvt 1st Class Gary Allen Burks – US Marines – Wall Location Panel 18e, Line 112
Pvt 1st Class Nelson Talmadge Nicely – Army – Wall location Panel 23e, Line 112
WORLD WAR II PURPLE HEARTS
PVT John William Linton – O.M. Corps, 45th Div. KIA October 16, 1944 in Italy
PVT 1st Class James Leo McCoy – 29th Chemical Decon Company – KIA June 1, 1944
1st LT Jimmie Watters Monteith, Jr – Army. – Medal of Honor Posthumously for his heroic actions in World War II at the D-Day landings in Normandy, France – KIA June 6, 1944. Monteith is buried in Normandy American Cemetery in France.
We honor all of these veterans and thank them and their families for their service. God bless America and these men.
