The Purple Heart is one of the most recognized and respected U.S. military medals.
Unlike many awards that recognize achievement or service, the Purple Heart is awarded for sacrifice. Because of this, eligibility rules are strict and often misunderstood. This guide explains exactly who qualifies for the Purple Heart, what injuries count, and how veterans or families can request the medal.
What Is the Purple Heart?
The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are wounded or killed as a direct result of enemy action. It is one of the oldest military decorations, originally created by George Washington in 1782 as the Badge of Military Merit.
Today, the Purple Heart represents the physical cost of war and is treated with the highest level of respect.
Who Qualifies for the Purple Heart?
To qualify for the Purple Heart, all three of the following conditions must be met:
The injury or death must be caused by enemy action
The wound must have required medical treatment
The injury must be officially documented in military medical or service records
If any one of these elements is missing, the award may be denied—even if the injury was serious.
What Counts as Enemy Action?
Enemy action includes, but is not limited to:
Gunfire from enemy forces
Shrapnel or fragments from enemy explosives
Injuries caused by enemy-placed mines or IEDs
Injuries sustained during enemy attacks on friendly aircraft or vehicles
Concussions or traumatic brain injuries caused by enemy blasts
The key factor is that the injury must be directly linked to hostile forces.
Purple Heart Qualifying Injuries
The following injuries generally qualify when caused by enemy action:
Gunshot wounds
Shrapnel or fragmentation wounds
Blast injuries and concussions (TBI)
Burns caused by enemy weapons
Chemical or biological agent exposure
Loss of limb or eyesight due to combat
In recent years, eligibility has expanded to more clearly include documented concussions and traumatic brain injuries, as long as medical treatment is recorded.
Injuries That Do NOT Qualify
Some injuries, even if they occur in a combat zone, do not qualify for the Purple Heart:
Accidental injuries not caused by the enemy
Vehicle accidents unrelated to enemy action
Hearing loss (unless directly tied to an enemy blast)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) alone
Illness or disease not caused by enemy weapons
This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of Purple Heart eligibility.
Is the Purple Heart Awarded Automatically?
No. The Purple Heart is not automatic.
Many eligible service members never received the award due to:
Missing medical documentation
Incomplete unit records
Rapid battlefield evacuations
Administrative errors
As a result, thousands of Purple Hearts have been awarded retroactively.
Can You Receive More Than One Purple Heart?
Yes. A service member can receive multiple Purple Hearts for separate qualifying injuries. Additional awards are indicated by:
Oak Leaf Clusters (Army, Air Force)
Gold Stars (Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard)
Each device represents an additional qualifying wound.
Can the Purple Heart Be Awarded Posthumously?
Yes. If a service member is killed as a result of enemy action, the Purple Heart may be awarded posthumously and presented to the next of kin.
Families often receive the medal during a formal ceremony, though some must request it later if it was never issued.
Can Family Members Request a Purple Heart?
Yes. Eligible family members may request:
Verification of Purple Heart eligibility
Correction of military records
Replacement or first-issue medals
Requests are typically made through the appropriate military records agency, depending on branch of service.
Why the Purple Heart Matters
The Purple Heart is more than a medal. It represents:
Physical sacrifice in combat
Permanent recognition in military records
Historical and emotional significance for families
For many veterans, receiving the Purple Heart brings long-overdue acknowledgment of wounds suffered in service to the nation.