Aurence's original Purple Heart and draft card. Aurence was a Lance CPL at the time of his injuries (left Nam as a CPL. He was offered SGT stripes but felt one tour of duty was enough). Aurence is a lifetime member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

First, let us go back to the days of George Washington. It was a tough time. Fighting a war is always costly and the Revolution was no exception. Sometimes there was not enough money to pay the soldiers, and George would compensate them by granting commissions and promotions. In 1782, when George was told there would be no money to pay his officers, he became more creative.

George came up with the idea to reward soldiers with two special medals in lieu of some pay. One of the medals was called the Badge of Military Merit, what is known today as the Purple Heart. Of course, it looked different back then. At the time it was solely for any soldier who performed a commendable act. Said Washington, "The author of it shall be permitted to wear on his facings, over his left breast, the figure of a heart in purple cloth or silk edged with narrow lace or binding." The honor also permitted those wearing it to pass guards without question.

The prestigious award is said to have been given to only three people. It disappeared for 150 years. Names of those who received the award were posted in a special book- The Book of Merit; it was lost, and has never been found.

On the 200th anniversary of General Washington's Birthday, the Purple Heart was revived. The date was Feb. 22nd, 1932. It was decided that it would be awarded to those who fought as far back as 1917 and was given to those whose commanding officers deemed them worthy of the award.

The first Purple Hearts were not very durable (remember, times were tough and money had to go for more important things like ammunition and food for the troops). Today the medals are made of non-degradable cloth and are one of the costliest military decorations to make. It takes 19 steps to create one medal.

After the reintroduction of the Purple Heart, it was awarded only to Army personnel. During World War II, Franklin Roosevelt expanded the award to include the Navy, Coast Guard, and the Marine Corps. John F. Kennedy went a step further, opening the award to civilians who were wounded while serving "in any capacity with an armed force." Today, those wounded or killed in international terrorist's attacks are also eligible for the award.

Though there are many circumstances today under which once can receive the Purple Heart, the Army regulations define the condition under which one may receive the award as:

"A wound which necessitates treatment by a medical officer and which is received in action with an enemy, may in the judgment of the commander authorized to make the award be construed as resulting from a singularly meritorious act of essential service."

During World War II, 500,000 Purple Hearts were minted. The United States feared there would be many causalities during the attack on Japan. However, the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki put a quick end to the war. After the war ended no more Purple Hearts were minted for another 25 years!

During the Vietnam War it is estimated that 250,000 to 270,000 Purple Hearts were awarded. It was customary to award the family of a deceased soldier with the Purple Heart. By the end of the Gulf War the United States Purple Heart supply had been depleted.

Since its inception in 1872 it is estimated that 1,635,000 Purple Heart medals have been awarded to members of the United States military. In 2003 it was estimated there were 500,000 living Purple Heart recipients but the Iraq War has changed those figures. In May of 2006, it was estimated that 18,200 U.S. service members had been wounded in Iraq. Sadly, no one knows how many Purple Hearts have been awarded because the military does not keep consistent records on the award.

Aurence's original Purple Heart and certificate are shown in the above photo. He was awarded his Purple Heart for injuries sustained at Marble Mountain Air Base in Vietnam. To look at the ribbon you would not think it not very durable. We mistakenly put it in a glass display case and the sun ate it up! Now it stays in the original box tucked safely away so our grandson can one day show it to his children. Aurence got a replacement to wear for special occasions. The military allows anyone with a honorable discharge a one-time free replacement of ribbons and awards.

Also shown in the photo is Aurence's draft card. During the Vietnam War, young men had to sign up for the draft when they turned 18. It was law that they carried their cards on them at all times. Many soldiers who fought in Vietnam came from the draft. Aurence, however, was not drafted. He joined the Marines on the buddy program.

The Purple Heart has a long history and much has been written about it. The best source of information can be found at the Military Order of The Purple Heart web site. The organization was chartered shortly after the award was re-instituted.

The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New York is looking for anyone who has received the Purple Heart . If you know of someone, please encourage them to call the number on thier site so thier name can become a part of history.

Did you know? Anyone receiving a Purple Heart is eligible to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery at the time of their death. Aurence has requested to be buried at Arlington (though he isn't going anytime soon!). Veterans and families needing more information should visit the eligibility site.

Aurence in Vietnam
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