The Shadow
COVINGTON, VA (VR) – The Purple Heart (preceded by the Badge of Military Merit) was established by General George Washington in 1782 during the Revolutionary War, making it the oldest military decoration in the United States. This year, National Purple Heart Day falls on Friday, August 7, honoring U.S. service members who were wounded or killed in combat. Nearly 1.9 million Purple Hearts have been awarded throughout history, including more than 47,500 during the War on Terror. John F. Kennedy is the only U.S. president to receive a Purple Heart, which he earned during World War II while serving in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
The modern Purple Heart was established by General Douglas MacArthur in 1932 as an award for both combat wounds and meritorious service. Posthumous awards were not authorized until World War II and were awarded only to those killed on or after the attack on Pearl Harbor (Army University Press).
The most famous movie with the title Purple Heart is Purple Hearts (2022), a modern romantic drama, alongside the classic war film The Purple Heart (1944). The most popular song from Purple Hearts is “Come Back Home,” which serves as the lead single and emotional centerpiece of the Purple Hearts (Original Soundtrack) album.
Purple Heart Homes: Built on Service, Driven by Purpose
It began with a promise between two soldiers—John Gallina and Dale Beatty—that no veteran should be left behind, whether on the battlefield or at home. In 2008, while discussing the needs of Vietnam veterans, they decided to take action. They each contributed $750 to open a bank account and founded Purple Heart Homes. Their vision was to bring communities together to provide safe, accessible housing solutions for service-connected disabled veterans of every generation.
“We wouldn’t leave someone behind on the battlefield. Why would we do it at home?” — Dale Beatty
Beatty died on February 12, 2018, at the age of 39 from injuries he sustained during the Iraq War. We thank him for his service and sacrifice.
Purple Heart Homes is headquartered in Statesville, North Carolina. Its phone number is (704) 838-4044, and its email address is info@phhusa.org. More information can be found at purplehearthomesusa.org.
As America commemorates 250 years of independence, Purple Heart Homes is honored to stand alongside America250 in celebrating our nation’s history and those who have defended it. Together, they are inspiring communities to honor the past by ensuring veterans have safe, accessible places to call home.
There is no exact count of Purple Heart recipients in the Alleghany Highlands. This year, we are honoring the following four recipients and extend our gratitude to all Purple Heart recipients for their service and sacrifice to our country.
PURPLE HEART RECIPIENTS FROM COVINGTON, VA
United States Marine Corps Sgt. Michael “Mike” Allen Humphries served during the Lebanon Conflict as part of the Beirut peacekeeping deployment. Humphries served in Beirut, Lebanon, during the Lebanese Civil War. The deployment was marked by intense urban warfare, artillery shelling, and guerrilla tactics. Most notably, the period featured the devastating Beirut Barracks bombing on October 23, 1983.
Humphries sustained physical injuries resulting directly from hostile enemy actions during these clashes. Michael “Mike” Allen Humphries was honored posthumously by the Virginia Senate through Senate Resolution No. 94 on March 5, 2026. Humphries received the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Combat Action Ribbon for his bravery and service.
Corporal Samuel Andrew Palmer Jr., United States Marine Corps, served with the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division during the Lebanon Conflict. Corporal Palmer received the Purple Heart after he was injured in the Marine Barracks bombing in Beirut on October 23, 1983, when a suicide bomber drove an explosive-laden truck through a fence and crashed into the lobby of the Marine barracks before detonating it. The subsequent blast killed 241 and wounded more than 100 personnel.
(Narrative researched and written by Hall of Honor staff.)
George Edward Pritt, United States Army, K Company, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, was wounded in action on July 13, 1952, during the Korean War (1950–1953). Under General Orders No. 492, issued in 1952, he was formally recognized for conspicuous gallantry and awarded the Silver Star.
The Purple Heart Connection: In the U.S. military, Purple Hearts are routinely awarded alongside higher valor decorations, such as the Silver Star, when the actions occurred during combat and resulted in wounds. The 45th Infantry Division, an Oklahoma National Guard unit deployed to Korea, was heavily engaged in brutal trench warfare and outpost battles throughout 1952, including the infamous battles of “Old Baldy” and “Bone Hill.”
Charles Edward Jones, United States Army, served during the Korean War. Jones was wounded in action and taken as a prisoner of war (POW). No specific details are available regarding the battle that resulted in his receiving the Purple Heart.
We thank these veterans for their sacrifices for our country. We honor them, and all Purple Heart recipients, on this special day.
