Key Takeaways
- The Purple Heart medal was originally produced for the planned 1945 invasion of Japan.
- Over 370,000 Purple Hearts were earned by servicemen and women by 1976.
- An untouched warehouse load of nearly 125,000 Purple Hearts was rediscovered in the late 1970s.
The Legacy of the Purple Heart
The Purple Heart medal holds a special place in American military history, symbolizing the sacrifice and bravery of those wounded or killed in combat. Originally produced for the planned invasion of Japan in 1945, these medals have been awarded to generations of soldiers who have served their country with honor.
The Rediscovery of a Warehouse Load
In a remarkable turn of events, a warehouse load of nearly 125,000 Purple Hearts was rediscovered in Pennsylvania in the late 1970s. These medals, which had fallen off the books for decades, were found to be in varying states of condition, with some deemed unsalvageable. However, the majority were refurbished and repackaged for future use.
Meeting the Demand
As terrorist activity increased in the late 1970s and '80s, the demand for Purple Hearts grew. By the beginning of the 1990-1991 Gulf War, over 120,000 of the refurbished medals were in the hands of the Armed Services, ready to be awarded to deserving recipients without delay. The Defense Supply Center entered into contracts for the first large-scale production of Purple Hearts since World War II to meet the ongoing demand.
The Continuation of a Tradition
Today, the Purple Heart remains a symbol of courage and sacrifice for those who serve in the United States military. With a rich history dating back to World War II, these medals continue to be awarded to deserving individuals who have risked their lives in defense of their country. The rediscovery of the warehouse load of Purple Hearts serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women.