Hundreds may receive Purple Heart, nation's oldest military medal

[thedrifter]

Hundreds may receive Purple Heart, nation's oldest military medal <br />
<br />
By Jeff McDonald <br />
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER <br />
<br />
April 20, 2003 <br />
<br />
They gave up hands and feet, their good health and – more...

[Choppergunner]

I believe I read somewhere that the Purple Heart was first awarded to those who were sent on missions where they were not expected to return.

The first Purple heart went to a enlisted man...I forget his name.
From then on, a 'purple heart' was worn on the sleeve of a wounded in action warrior.

Since then the medal has been awarded for less then honorable reasons I admit; but, overall I believe today it is a symbol of heroism under fire in which you were wounded.

Semper Fi
Pat Hayes
RVN 2 tours