Who Has 8 Purple Hearts? The Story Behind America‘s Oldest Military Medal

The soldier who earned the most Purple Heart medals for combat wounds is Curry T. Haynes, a U.S. Army veteran who was awarded an incredible 10 Purple Hearts during his service in the Vietnam War. This broke the previous record of 9 Purple Hearts held by Army soldier William G. White, who served during World War II and the Korean War.

The Purple Heart is America‘s oldest military medal, first created as the Badge of Military Merit in 1782 by General George Washington himself. Over 1.8 million Purple Hearts have been presented to wounded or killed soldiers across all branches of service and major conflicts throughout U.S. history.

While the tangible value of a Purple Heart medal may be negligible, it represents a priceless form of recognition for the courage and sacrifice of American servicemen and women. Those awarded the medal have shed blood on the battlefield – some making the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Their bravery and devotion must never be forgotten.

A Long History of Honoring Sacrifice

The Purple Heart has a long and meaningful history in American military tradition:

• It was originally called the Badge of Military Merit and created by George Washington in 1782 to honor exceptional bravery and service by Revolutionary War soldiers.

• After falling out of use for over 150 years, it was revived in 1932 on the 200th anniversary of Washington‘s birth.

• The award was renamed the Purple Heart and redesigned as a heart-shaped medal.

• Over 1.8 million Purple Hearts have been awarded across all military branches since its creation.

• It is presented to any U.S. service member who has been wounded or killed in action against an enemy force.

• The first Purple Heart of WWII was awarded to MacArthur‘s defender of the Philippines – Lt. Col. David Teich.

• Recent data shows that over 200,000 Purple Hearts have been awarded to U.S. personnel since the 9/11 attacks.

As we can see, most Purple Hearts have been awarded to veterans of some of America‘s largest wars. But each medal represents individual stories of tragedy, bravery, and sacrifice.

Profile of a Purple Heart Recipient

To understand what it means to earn a Purple Heart, let‘s consider the story of a specific recipient – World War II veteran Daniel Inouye.

Inouye was a Japanese-American who fought valiantly in Italy and France, ultimately losing his arm charging a set of German machine gun nests. His courage under fire earned him a Distinguished Service Cross, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart.

But the Purple Heart bears special meaning for Inouye as a physical reminder of the bloody conflict he endured. He would carry that loss long after WWII ended, continuing his service by becoming a US Senator and advocate for veterans.

Inouye‘s story and his Purple Heart medal represent the high cost of war borne by service members for the defense of liberty. Each medal has a name and story attached to it – they must not simply be seen as relics.

More Than Just a Medal – Veteran Benefits

Beyond the honor and history represented by the Purple Heart medal, there are also practical benefits accessible to recipients:

• Enrollment in the VA health care system – This provides lifelong medical care for any conditions related to combat wounds.

• Service-connected disability compensation – Veterans can receive tax-free monthly payments if wounded in combat.

• Priority access to medical services – Purple Heart veterans get preferential treatment at VA facilities .

• State-level benefits – Some states offer special programs for Purple Heart recipients such as tax breaks, free licenses, etc.

• Commissary and exchange privileges – Access to shopping on military bases.

So the Purple Heart makes recipients eligible for an array of programs and services in gratitude for wounds suffered in battle. Veterans should be sure to take advantage of everything available to them through the VA.

The Application and Award Process

Given the benefits and recognition that come with the Purple Heart, you may be wondering – how does one actually receive it?

• The process starts with an official after-action report describing combat engagements resulting in death/injury.

• A higher headquarters will review the circumstances to determine if criteria are met for the award.

• Each military branch has their own administrative procedures, but the criteria are the same – wounds/death in combat.

• The Purple Heart is unique in that enlisted personnel can be directly awarded without higher command approval needed.

• Ceremonies to confer the Purple Heart are often held in hospitals or medical facilities where wounded soldiers are undergoing treatment.

While each case is unique, the Purple Heart is ultimately reserved for those who make profound sacrifices on the battlefield. The application process ensures its integrity.

Purple Heart Controversies and FAQs

Despite being one of America‘s most revered military medals, the Purple Heart is not without some controversy and frequently asked questions:

Have eligibility requirements changed over time?

Yes. Originally it required exceptionally meritorious performance, then any combat merit. Standards were loosened as warfare changed in WWII to award more liberally based simply on combat wounds/death.

Who was the youngest Purple Heart recipient?

Probably Robert Hendrix who earned it at just 11 years old after being wounded in Vietnam in 1968 while serving with the Army.

Can friendly fire incidents result in the Purple Heart?

This was once prohibited but the rules were changed in 1942 to allow awards regardless of the source of fire resulting in combat injury.

Is selling or owning Purple Hearts illegal?

No, but many consider it unethical and against the spirit of the award. Some auction sites like eBay prohibit their sale.

How many women have received the Purple Heart?

Over 1,000 women have been awarded Purple Hearts, from WWII to present day. The changing role of women in combat continues to add to this total.

Are civilians eligible for the Purple Heart?

No, only military members can receive it. But there are similar government awards for wounded civilians like the Secretary of Defense Medal for the Defense of Freedom.

The Heart of the Matter

At the end of the day, the Purple Heart represents the heart and soul of America‘s armed forces. It is a solemn recognition of lives forever changed by war – wounds that will never fully heal.

But it also signifies bravery, duty, and a willingness to give everything for a noble cause. The medal is simple, but its meaning is profound.

So to all those who wear the Purple Heart, we say thank you. May the sacrifices you made for this country never be forgotten but serve as an inspiration to others. Yours is the true heart of a nation.