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The Purple Heart: America's oldest medal
August 7, 2025 — In 1782, George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit to recognize heroic acts by his troops; the badge, and its purpose, evolved into what we now know as the Purple Heart... MORE

Two medals with ribbons sit inside cushioned boxes.

Nation salutes Purple Heart veterans
August 6, 2025 — Purple Heart Day is a time to honor and remember service members who were wounded or killed by an instrument of war in the hands of an enemy or while prisoners of war. ... MORE

The Purple Heart: America’s oldest medal
August 7, 2023 — Aug. 7 is National Purple Heart Day. On this day, we honor and remember the unwavering courage of our current and former service members. Let us never forget the sacrifices they've made while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces... MORE

Four Chaplains Day Remembrance 2021: To care for Airmen more than anyone thinks possible
February 3, 2021 — Four Chaplains – U.S. Army chaplains, Lt. George Fox, a Methodist minister; Lt. Alexander Goode, a Jewish rabbi; Lt. John Washington, a Roman Catholic priest; and Lt. Clark Poling, a Dutch Reformed minister – gave their lives as their final act reinforcing today’s vision of the Air Force Chaplains Corps: “To care for Airmen more than anyone thinks possible.”... MORE

Shown are the official photos of the U.S. Army chaplains, Lt. George Fox, a Methodist minister; Lt. Alexander Goode, a Jewish rabbi; Lt. John Washington, a Roman Catholic priest; and Lt. Clark Poling, a Dutch Reformed minister. All four perished with the sinking of the SS Dorchester (SC-290583) after being struck by a German torpedo, Feb. 3, 1943. In 1988, Congress honored them by establishing Feb. 3 as Four Chaplains Day. (Courtesy photo)

Legendary equestrian rider Russell passes away at 100
October 28, 2020 — Retired Col. John Russell, who was the oldest living Olympic medalist, respected international equestrian rider and coach, and World War II veteran, passed away at the age of 100 in his home in San Antonio Sept. 30... MORE

Retired Col. John Russell, who was the oldest living Olympic medalist, respected international equestrian rider and coach, and World War II veteran, passed away at the age of 100 in his home in San Antonio Sept. 30.

Freedom’s price – the Purple Heart
August 7, 2020 — Aug. 7 is National Purple Heart Day. Created in 2014, it’s a time when all Americans are urged to recognize, remember and honor the nation’s service members and veterans who have been wounded or paid the ultimate price in defense of our liberties. ... MORE

Aug. 7 is National Purple Heart Day. Created in 2014, it’s a time when all Americans are urged to recognize, remember and honor the nation’s service members and veterans who have been wounded or paid the ultimate price in defense of our liberties.

Finding healing through helping others
August 29, 2018 — “Seeking care never slowed me down; it helped me through my toughest times.”... MORE

(Former) Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Martin E. Demplsey presents the Purple Heart medal to (then) Tech. Sgt. Richard Chwalik, Dec. 19, 2011 at a town hall meeting during the chairman's visit to Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Chwalik was injured during his deployment to Afghanistan in 2009.

Mission and Installation Contracting Command Soldiers receive Purple Heart
June 16, 2017 — Maj. Evan Chung and Sgt. 1st Class Mark Lewis from the Mission and Installation Contracting Command were presented with the Purple Heart recently for their actions in Afghanistan... MORE

Maj. Gen. James Simpson presents the Purple Heart to Maj. Evan Chung June 9 at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Simpson is the Army Contracting Command commanding general, and Chung is a contracting officer assigned to Field Directorate Office-Fort Sam Houston. Also pictured is Chung’s wife, Nickola.

Soldier receives Purple Heart for Iraq combat injuries
March 9, 2017 — Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Johnson, Brooke Army Medical Center commanding general, presented the Purple Heart to Sgt. 1st Class Charles Graham during a ceremony held in the Purple Heart Garden at the Warrior and Family Support Center March 3... MORE

Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Johnson (left), Brooke Army Medical Center commanding general, presents the Purple Heart medal to Sgt. 1st Class Charles Graham (right) during a ceremony at the Warrior and Family Support Center March 3. Graham was wounded Nov. 9, 2005, when his unit was struck by indirect fire mortar rounds while at a Forward Operating Base in Iraq.