Why we do what we do.

The scars of military service for many veterans can often be felt beyond their tour of duty. The physical and psychological wounds often carry over into the transition from military to civilian life. As a result, many find it challenging to transition into civilian life and often experience difficulties paying bills.

The mission of the Purple Heart Foundation is to enhance the quality of life of Purple Heart recipients and other honorably discharged veterans and their families though:

Critical Assistance Grants
Providing Resources Related To TBI, PTS, Mental Health, and Suicide Prevention
Academic Scholarships
Service Dogs

Our efforts are only as strong as the support we receive from donations, corporate sponsorships, and partnerships with veteran-owned and veteran-friendly organizations. The more support we receive, the greater the number of those in need we can help!

In addition to accepting financial donations, we have a national vehicle donation program and a clothing donation program through Go Green Drop. We also hold several fundraising events throughout the year.

About Us - Purple Heart Foundation Soldier

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1782

General George Washington creates the original Purple Heart medal, known as the Badge of Military Merit, and presents it to three servicemen in recognition of bravery.

1932

The badge was not used again after 1782, but General Douglas MacArthur revived it with a new design and named it the Purple Heart medal on the bicentennial of Washington’s birth. The medal recognizes soldiers for meritorious service or being wounded or dying in battle. General MacArthur presented himself with the first medal.

1932

In the same year, The Military Order of the Purple Heart forms for the protection and mutual interest of the medal’s recipients. This veteran service organization is comprised solely of combat-wounded veteran’s.

1942

After the attacks on Pearl Harbor, the military allows Purple Heart medals to be awarded posthumously and the War Department designates it as the only medal to recognize wounds or death in battle.

1943

Prior to running for president, John F. Kennedy was wounded in action during his service in the military. To date, he is the only U.S. president to receive a Purple Heart.

1944

Major General Robert Frederick receives his 8th Purple Heart medal. Franklin was believed to hold the record for the soldier with the most Purple Heart medals received in one conflict.

1957

The Purple Heart Foundation was created as a non-profit organization to raise awareness, support and funds for American veterans and their families.

1983

Scripps Howard News combat correspondent and Pulitzer Prize winner, Ernest Pyle, dies in 1945 after being struck by enemy fire during his pursuit of a story at the Battle Of Okinawa. In 1983, the largest U.S. Army Reserve Center is dedicated in his name, and during the ceremony, his posthumously presented the Purple Heart medal. He is one of just a few civilians to receive the award.

1996

Regulations are amended for prisoners of war to receive the Purple Heart medal.

2008

The Pentagon declares Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) a secondary effect of enemy action, allowing soldiers with PTSD to receive the Purple Heart Medal.

2015

Two domestic mass shootings at military facilities are declared “military-related,” and 43 victims from the 2009 Fort Hood shooting, and seven from the Chattanooga shooting are awarded Purple Heart medals.

2019

Marines and sailors who put their lives on the line during a terrorist attack at the Pensacola Naval Air Station in Florida on December 6th are awarded Purple Heart medals.