Video: 'Almanac: Purple Heart'

(Wednesday, August 7, 1782, during the American Revolutionary War) — The original Purple Heart, designated as the Badge of Military Merit, was established today by General George Washington — then the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army — by order from his Newburgh, New York, headquarters.

Designed by Washington in the form of a purple heart, it was intended as a military order for soldiers who exhibited, “not only instances of unusual gallantry in battle, but also extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way.”

Washington’s Badge of Military Merit was awarded to at least three soldiers, all from Connecticut: Elijah Churchill, William Brown, and Daniel Bissell, Jr. A “book of merit” was created to record the names of honorees but unfortunately, that book was lost after the war, and the award was forgotten for a time.

Briefly in 1927, then again in 1931, the Army worked to reinstate the award. General Douglas MacArthur had the medal reinstated in time for Washington’s 200th birthday on Feb. 22, 1932.

The new Purple Heart displayed a bust of Washington, along with a coat of arms.