The Controversial Cases Behind Awarding the Purple Heart
The Purple Heart is one of the most significant and recognizable awards in the United States military. It honors those who have been wounded or killed in action, ensuring their sacrifice is acknowledged and remembered. However, the criteria for this award can sometimes engender debate and even controversy, as seen in the cases detailed here.
Definition and Context
The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the U.S. armed forces who have sustained injuries in the line of duty, specifically as a result of enemy actions. Over the years, the award has been given to soldiers for injuries ranging from severe to relatively minor. Yet, the award's significance is not diminished by the severity of the injury; it is an honor for enduring danger and sacrifice for one's country. One particularly notable case involves an injury that, while seemingly minor, fits the criteria perfectly.
A Minor Injury That Deserved the Purple Heart
A soldier in a World War II setting received a Purple Heart for a small injury caused by a grenade shrapnel wound. The incident involved the soldier being knocked off a stack of oil drums while guarding German prisoners of war. While this injury does not seem significant, the Purple Heart criteria can be interpreted in a broad manner. The soldier's situation was directly influenced by the enemy activity, thus meeting the requirement for the award.
Bob Dole's Insight on the Purple Heart
There are Purple Hearts and then there are Purple Hearts.
In his insightful comment, Bob Dole captured the essence of the Purple Heart: its value is determined not just by the severity of the injury but by the context in which it occurred. The award is a testament to the courage and bravery of all veterans, regardless of the nature of their injury.
Personal Recollections and Historical Cases
My father’s friend in Antwerp during World War II also received a Purple Heart for a minor injury. While guarding German POWs, he climbed onto a stack of oil drums to better observe the prisoners. A German buzz bomb caused an explosion, and he was knocked off, injuring his leg. This injury, though not life-threatening, was granted the Purple Heart due to the context of enemy action. The act of protecting servicemembers from harm further justifies the award.
Case Studies Highlighting Controversy
Case 1: In the Latrine
During the Vietnam War, a soldier received a Purple Heart for a seemingly trivial injury. While using a latrine, an RPG blast occurred. Despite being completely unprepared, the soldier managed to get some scrapes and bruises. The injury, though minor, was still attributed to enemy action. The soldier, while recognizing the severity, accepted the honor as an enduring symbol of his service.
Case 2: Unauthorized Self-Injury
A personnel clerk took matters into his own hands, intentionally shooting himself in the leg to receive a Purple Heart. This case is perhaps the most egregious. However, the award was still processed at the hospital, leading to a prolonged effort to revoke it. The soldier’s actions were a cynical attempt to exploit the system, and while the award was ultimately removed, it highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Purple Heart.
Case 3: An Unintentionally Hostile Act
A guard on night duty, while engaging in a consensual act, received an unexpected note demanding money or facing bodily harm. In a moment of panic, the guard struck the assailant, experiencing severe jaw damage. The hospital awarded him a Purple Heart and even submitted a line of duty claim for medical expenses. The CO, recognizing the justified fear and the actual threat, allowed the award to stand.
Conclusion
The Purple Heart is fraught with complexities and often involves subjective judgments. While some injuries may seem minor, the context and circumstances surrounding the injury determine its significance. These case studies illustrate the breadth of situations where the Purple Heart is awarded, from minor scrapes to life-altering injuries. Ultimately, the Purple Heart remains a significant symbol of a soldier’s sacrifice and dedication to their country.