The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to service members who are wounded or killed as a result of enemy action. Its origins trace to the Badge of Military Merit, established by General George Washington in 1782, making the Purple Heart one of America’s oldest military decorations. Revived in its modern form in 1932, the Purple Heart honors the sacrifice of those who have shed blood or given their lives in service to the nation during armed conflict.