Purple Hearts

Shelly Zimbler and many others have been working hard to help former POWs receive the Purple Heart medal that we feel they so certainly deserve.  According to Shelly, we owe a debt of gratitude to NY senators Bill Larkin and former Senator Hillary Clinton for the establishment of the National Purple Heart Museum. Senator Larkin has also spearheaded the establishment of the Purple Heart Stamp and is key to keeping the stamp alive as the price of stamps goes up.

The Museum has a Wall of Honor and all Purple Heart recipients, from any branch of service, are eligible for a place on the wall.  Service people from every branch of the military are on duty at the museum, for greeting people and participating in ceremonies.

The predecessor to the Purple Heart medal, Badge of Military Merit, was first awarded by George Washington during the Revolutionary War.  After three medals were awarded, the medal fell into disuse.

The medal was reestablished in 1932 and was redesigned with a silhouette of George Washington. It was to be awarded for "Being wounded or killed in any action against an enemy of the United States or as a result of an act of any such enemy or opposing armed forces", according to the current criteria.

http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/navawards/blpurpleheart.htm says the  medal can be awarded for any military event involving:

1. In any action against an enemy of the United States.
2. In any action with an opposing armed force of a foreign country in which the Armed Forces of the United States are or have been engaged.
3. While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
4. As a result of an act of any such enemy of opposing armed forces.
5. As the result of an act of any hostile foreign force.
6. After 28 March 1973, as a result of an international terrorist attack against the United States or a foreign nation friendly to the United States, recognized as such an attack by the Secretary of the Army, or jointly by the Secretaries of the separate armed services concerned if persons from more than one service are wounded in the attack.
7. After 28 March 1973, as a result of military operations while serving outside the territory of the United States as part of a peacekeeping force.”

Further refinements of the criteria define a wound as “an injury to any part of the body from an outside force or agent sustained under one or more of the conditions listed above.” A physical lesion is not required, however, the wound for which the award is made must have required treatment by a medical officer and records of medical treatment for wounds or injuries received in action must have been made a matter of official record.

POWs must have had a wound documented by a medical officer. If such records are not available, you may submit sworn affidavits  by two eyewitnesses.

Shelly reports that so far only 3 former POWs have received the Purple Heart, but everyone should try.

He says that applicants need to try to provide the following:

To replace a missing medal: a variety of materials are acceptable including the DD-214 or other discharge form listing awards, medical forms, a photograph of the back of the medal bearing the recipient's name, or other supporting  materials.

To apply for a medal you feel should have been received: In addition to the discharge form and medical forms they are also looking for photographs, telegrams, letters from home, news articles or other materials that help put a face and a story with each recipient's name.

 NEW: Each POW is limited to one Purple Heart for the entire time of confinement.

The following website should get you to the Purple Heart Museum and get you the documents that are necessary to get your name or that of a family member on the wall.   (http://www.thepurpleheart.com/faqs/default.aspx)

 If you need help gathering your materials, Shelly will help.  (shelzanne@aol.com) If you apply and get turned down, please contact your Senator or Representative. Be a squeaky wheel and make your presence and interests known.

 It is important to receive what is owed to you. The more who apply, the more awareness you raise, and the better chance all have to get the award.

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