The Purple Heart traces to 1782, when George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit — one of the first American military honors given to enlisted soldiers, not just officers. It was awarded to only three known soldiers before falling out of use for nearly 150 years, revived in 1932 on Washington's 200th birthday, and reserved since 1942 specifically for those wounded or killed by the enemy.

Cut from durable outdoor vinyl. Size ordered is height. Have a specific request? Just ask — application instructions here.