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what is the purple heart awarded for

The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded to service members who are wounded or killed as a direct result of enemy action while serving with the U.S. Armed Forces.

What the Purple Heart is awarded for

  • Being wounded in action by enemy forces (for example, from enemy bullets, shrapnel, mines, or explosions).
  • Being killed in action, or dying later from wounds received in action.
  • Certain injuries from “friendly fire” in the heat of battle, when the intent was to engage the enemy.
  • Wounds must be serious enough to require documented medical treatment, not just examination.

In short, the medal recognizes the sacrifice of those who shed blood, are injured, or lose their lives due to hostile action while serving in the U.S. military.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.