noteable event in history. On this date in 1782 George Washington initiated the honors bestowed upon soldiers who showed distinction during military service. Now known as the Purple Heart- it was orginally known as the badge of merit and was issued to non commisioned officers. It was the first military honor to be intended for the common soldier and gave its recipient the right to be treated the same as an officer in courtesy and priviliages. The first three badges were given to the following soldiers- Sgt William Brown 5th Conneticut Regiment, Sgt Elijah Churchill 2nd Continental Light Dragoons in May, and Sgt. Daniel Bissell 2nd Conneticut Regiment in June of 1782. These awards were originally given at the soldiers discharge for years of faithful and dedicated service in the Revolutionary War and then were not used again. The awards were recommisioned in 1932, the design changed and designated to be given to soldiers who had previously received either a Wound Chevron or an Army Wound Ribbon and declared to be the Purple Heart. Here's a before and after picture of the award.
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