RE: http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,167854,00.html

Not all wounds are visible. I think anyone who suffers from PTSD as a result of combat action should be awarded the Purple Heart.

I earned the Purple Heart twice. It would demean the decoration to award it for PTSD. It would become a "gimme award" like the National Defense Service Medal.

We had a discussion on this on the Army board a while back. Here is my take: PTSD can be as devastating to an individual as any physical wound. It is terrible and can ruin lives. Everything should be done to support those who develop PTSD. However, the Purple Heart is just different. Bottom line.

This has been discussed in depth over on point/counterpoint.

http://forums.military.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/409192893/m/1760060281001

Man this one is a bag of worms. Being a non-combat vet, I don't have a dog in the fight. I can see the arguments both pro and con. Some of the issues I see with awarding a Purple Heart for PTSD are:
1. Can the PTSD be directly attributed to an actual combat engagement?
2. What is the level of debilitation resulting from the combat engagement based on PTSD?
3. Is the military ready to alter what has become a long-standing tradition?
4. Do only physically obvious wounds qualify? If so, what about TBI?
I definately wouldn't want to be the signature on the bottom of the memo that decides one way or the other.

I met several soldiers who received the purple heart for getting heat stroke.(Go figure???) As the battle fields changes due to technology so will the disribution of several medals. What ever is decided I just hope we as veterans don't get into a argument who wounds are more deserving than the other.

NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! I've seen to many PTSD fakers and of those who are, that would recieve a PH, it's the same as a Stolen Valor Award.

While, in general, I think that military members suffering PTSD should qualify of the Purple Heart, see exception paragraph (5)(i) (below). It specifically excludes the award for such trauma.

_____________________________________________


[The Purple Heart Medal]
Purple Heart

Paragraph 2-8, Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards)
25 February 1995

The Purple Heart was established by General George Washington at Newburgh, New York, on 7 August 1782, during the Revolutionary War. It was reestablished by the President of the United States per War Department General Orders 3, 1932 and is currently awarded pursuant to Executive Order 11016, 25 April 1962, Executive Order 12464, 23 February 1984 and Public Law 98-525, 19 October 1984.

a. The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of an Armed Force or any civilian national of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Services after 5 April 1917, has been wounded or killed, or who has died or may hereafter die after being wounded-

(1) In any action against an enemy of the United States.

(2) In any action with an opposing armed force of a foreign country in which the Armed Forces of the United States are or have been engaged.

(3) While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

(4) As a result of an act of any such enemy of opposing armed forces.

(5) As the result of an act of any hostile foreign force

(6) After 28 March 1973, as a result of an international terrorist attack against the United States or a foreign nation friendly to the United States, recognized as such an attack by the Secretary of the Army, or jointly by the Secretaries of the separate armed services concerned if persons from more than one service are wounded in the attack.

(7) After 28 March 1973, as a result of military operations while serving outside the territory of the United States as part of a peacekeeping force.

b. While clearly an individual decoration, the Purple Heart differs from all other decorations in that an individual is not "recommended" for the decoration; rather he or she is entitled to it upon meeting specific criteria.

(1) A Purple Heart is authorized for the first wound suffered under conditions indicated above, but for each subsequent award an Oak Leaf Cluster will be awarded to be worn on the medal or ribbon. Not more than one award will be made for more than one wound or injury received at the same instant or from the same missile, force, explosion, or agent.

(2) A wound is defined as an injury to any part of the body from an outside force or agent sustained under one or more of the conditions listed above. A physical lesion is not required, however, the wound for which the award is made must have required treatment by a medical officer and records of medical treatment for wounds or injuries received in action must have been made a matter of official record.

(3) When contemplating an award of this decoration, the key issue that commanders must take into consideration is the degree to which the enemy caused the injury. The fact that the proposed recipient was participating in direct or indirect combat operations is a necessary prerequisite, but is not sole justification for award.

(4) Examples of enemy-related injuries which clearly justify award of the Purple Heart are as follows:

(a) Injury caused by enemy bullet, shrapnel, or other projectile created by enemy action.

(b) Injury caused by enemy placed mine or trap.

(c) Injury caused by enemy released chemical, biological, or nuclear agent.

(d) Injury caused by vehicle or aircraft accident resulting from enemy fire.

(e) Concussion injuries caused as a result of enemy generated explosions.

(5) Examples of injuries or wounds which clearly do not qualify for award of the Purple Heart are as follows:

(a) Frostbite or trench foot injuries.

(b) Heat stroke.

(c) Food poisoning not caused by enemy agents.

(d) Chemical, biological, or nuclear agents not released by the enemy.

(e) Battle fatigue.

(f) Disease not directly caused by enemy agents.

(g) Accidents, to include explosive, aircraft, vehicular, and other accidental wounding not related to or caused by enemy action.

(h) Self-inflicted wounds, except when in the heat of battle, and not involving gross negligence.

(i) Post traumatic stressdisorders.

(j) Jump injuries not caused by enemy action.

(6) It is not intended that such a strict interpretation of the requirement for the wound or injury to be caused by direct result of hostile action be taken that it would preclude the award being made to deserving personnel. Commanders must also take into consideration the circumstances surrounding an injury, even if it appears to meet the criteria. Note the following examples:

(a) In a case such as an individual injured while making a parachute landing from an aircraft that had been brought down by enemy fire; or, an individual injured as a result of a vehicle accident caused by enemy fire, the decision will be made in favor of the individual and the award will be made.

(b) Individuals wounded or killed as a result of "friendly fire" in the "heat of battle" will be awarded the Purple Heart as long as the "friendly" projectile or agent was released with the full intent of inflicting damage or destroying enemy troops or equipment.

(c) Individuals injured as a result of their own negligence; for example, driving or walking through an unauthorized area known to have been mined or placed off limits or searching for or picking up unexploded munitions as war souvenirs, will not be awarded the Purple Heart as they clearly were not injured as a result of enemy action, but rather by their own negligence.

c. A Purple Heart will be issued to the next of kin of each person entitled to a posthumous award. Issue will be made automatically by the Commanding General, PERSCOM, upon receiving a report of death indicating entitlement.

d. Upon written application to Commander, ARPERCEN, ATTN: DARP-VSE-A, 9700 Page Boulevard. St. Louis, MO 63132-5200, award may be made to any member of the Army, who during World War I, was awarded a Meritorious Service Citation Certificate signed by the Commander in Chief, American Expeditionary Forces, or who was authorized to wear wound chevrons. Posthumous awards to personnel who were killed or died of wounds after 5 April 1917 will be made to the appropriate next of kin upon application to the Commanding General, PERSCOM.

e. Any member of the Army who was awarded the Purple Heart for meritorious achievement or service, as opposed to wounds received in action, between 7 December 1941 and 22 September 1943, may apply for award of an appropriate decoration instead of the Purple Heart.

f. For those who became Prisoners of War after 25 April 1962, the Purple Heart will be awarded to individuals wounded while prisoners of foreign forces, upon submission by the individual to the Department of the U.S. Army of an affidavit that is supported by a statement from a witness, if this is possible. Documentation and inquiries should be directed to Commander, PERSCOM, ATTN: TAPC-PDA, Alexandria, VA 22332-0471.

g. Any member of the U.S. Army who believes that he or she is eligible for the Purple Heart, but through unusual circumstances no award was made, may submit an application through military channels, to Commander, PERSCOM, ATTN: TAPC PDA, Alexandria, VA 22332-0471. Application will include complete documentation, to include evidence of medical treatment, pertaining to the wound.

h. As noted in a above, the Purple Heart may be awarded to civilian nationals of the United States. These individuals must be serving under competent authority with the Army when wounded. Serving under competent authority with the Army will include those eligible persons who are employees of the U.S. Government in a duty (pay or official travel) status when wounds are sustained. Examples of eligible individuals are as follows:

(1) Any Army employee who is traveling outside of the continental limits of the United States on PCS or temporary duty (TDY) aboard a commercial aircraft and wounded by international terrorists in an attempted or actual hijacking incident.

(2) An Army employee in an Army office building performing his or her job who is wounded by an explosive device detonated by international terrorists.

(3) A civil or foreign service employee from a U.S. Government Agency or Department attached to an Army element performing intelligence, counter-terrorist, or other duties with the Army wounded by international terrorists.

(4) An Army employee wounded in an international terrorist incident in which a soldier or soldiers are also wounded.

More information is available at the Military Order of the Purple Heart WWW site.

Send comments about this page to the Webmaster.

[ ADVA Awards Index | ADVA Home Page ]

quote:

Originally posted by SignalSgtWilliams:
NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! I've seen to many PTSD fakers and of those who are, that would recieve a PH, it's the same as a Stolen Valor Award.

I agree 120% on your comment......... I have caught flack before on these forums for saying at least 2/3's of claimants most likely are either total BS or have manipulated the system to gain monetary award. I've seen that happen, have even been coached on how to do it; and the worse part of it is those individuals now actually "believe" they're disabled. Schit!! Get up, face your demons and drive on - just like your fathers and grandfathers did. To give them the PH would be a travesty.
It's getting so, as one poster said, why not put the medals in a "CrackerJack" box.

quote:

Originally posted by Eightballmase:
I met several soldiers who received the purple heart for getting heat stroke.(Go figure???)..........

Heat stroke clearly does not justify award of the Purple Heart (PH). To legally claim to be a Purple Heart Recipient one must have approved permanent orders citing for such and a DA Form 4980–10 (The Purple Heart Medal Certificate) will include the following information:

Your name and grade, date wounded in action, and date certificate is signed. All Purple Heart Medal certificates will bear the signature and signature block of the Secretary of the Army on the right side. During wartime, the signature and signature block of the commander authorized to award the Purple Heart will be on the left side. All
other Purple Hearts awarded will bear the signature and signature block of The Adjutant General of the Army.

The approved award of the Purple Heart must exhibit all of the following factors: wound, injury or death must have been the result of enemy or hostile act; international terrorist attack; or friendly fire, and the wound or injury must have required treatment by medical officials; and the records of medical treatment must have been made a matter of official Army records.

False Claims About Receipt of Military Decorations or Medals- Whoever falsely represents himself or herself, verbally or in writing, to have been awarded any decoration or medal authorized by Congress for the Armed Forces of the United States, any of the service medals or badges awarded to the members of such forces, the ribbon, button, or rosette of any such badge, decoration, or medal, or any colorable imitation of such item shall be fined under the "Stolen Valor Act" title law, imprisoned not more than six months, or both.

and

The law is further enhanced by penalty for offenses involving certain other medals such as the Purple Heart awarded under section 1129 of title 10, United States Code. In lieu of the punishment provided in the applicable subsection, the offender shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both.

Politely ask those "several soldiers" if they would kindly explain how they earned their Purple Heart for "heat stroke". If it is not right, you know what to do.

I personally know someone who was diagnosed with PTSD and it ultimately lead to nighmares, flashbacks, violence, and heart arrhythmia. He reluctantly went to the VA Hospital after some "persuasion" from his wife and kids.
He stopped taking his medication because he didn't like the way they made him feel and joined the Reserves and was deployed. The deployment actually seemed to help (at least for now). He has been doing pretty good ever since.
An award for PTSD? Maybe, but-
NO BLOOD, NO PURPLE HEART.
But that's just my opinion. I could be wrong.
-Mac

quote:

Originally posted by Eightballmase:
I met several soldiers who received the purple heart for getting heat stroke.(Go figure???) As the battle fields changes due to technology so will the disribution of several medals. What ever is decided I just hope we as veterans don't get into a argument who wounds are more deserving than the other.

Heat Stroke? How the hell do you get a PH for Heat Stroke, when it is specificaly listed as an example of an injury/wound which clearly does not qualify for award of the Purple Heart per the regs.

PTSD is real, it is a pain and it sucks, (like others here I deal with it every day) but it does not, and should not warrant the Purple Heart.

quote:

Originally posted by NAVY_GRUNT:
PTSD is real, it is a pain and it sucks, (like others here I deal with it every day) but it does not, and should not warrant the Purple Heart.

________________________________________________

Roger that...

Altering the criteria for awards for valor, service, or sacrifice, diminishes the value of all those that were awarded for the proper reasons.

There has been some discussion apparently, of creating a PTSD medal. Which would serve what purpose? As those wearing it would be immediately signifying that they couldn't handle the stress. Either before or after the fact.

In my era, we had a motto over the bulkhead that read. "The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war."

And it was the mission statement of all US Marine drill instructors of that era, to attempt to break you mentally while in boot camp. Because it was a known and recognized principle of training, that if you could be broken in boot, you would never survive combat.

There are many stories of those having received Purple Hearts for bogus reasons. John Kerry immediately comes to mind.

But that is no reason to ignore the sacrifices of those legitimate winners, for the sole sake and benefit of supposedly raising the self esteem of those who don't deserve it.

This is a hard one. PTSD that is directly related to combat duties could be as profound as one receiving a concussion from a mortar blast or IED but never bleed their actual blood on the field or later from such a wound yet that wound can be as much a death warrant as PTSD has been for many due to destruction of families, ability to make a decent income, failure to be able to handle those things in life that they would have before the combat situation that resulted in PTSD, soldier's heart, combat fatigue, shell shock, even frost bite, agent orange, nerve gas and mustard gas poisoning that results in later premature death or disability. If one must bleed from enemy action to receive the award, then one must be able to prove that an enemy bullet, bayonet, shrapnel, etc. has entered their body to cause the actual bleeding, and not a freindly fire in the heat of battle or stumbling on a tent stake and falling on the next like a punji stick while trying to escape enemy action. If this is to be the interpretation then no injury with other than that which can be proven by ballistics, etc., to be enemy material, should be awarded the medal.

Make a new award for PTSD. A big *** broken dick! Damn the broke dick wienies.

If they give out a PH for PTSD, they may as well give them a MoH for putting a band-aid on someone's paper cut and and out Silver Stars for getting NJP while their at it.

What a crock of ****.

I'm going to say nay on this one. I think most of us comming back have a hard time. Nightmares, jitters, anger, fear...these are the unavoidable consequences of our job. My heart and support goes out to our brothers and sisters suffering from PTSD, and I help them as much as I can when they come through my clinic.

That being said, being perforated with hot metal is a different order of buisness. If anyone tried to give me a PH for the issues I had comming home, I'd flat refuse it.

quote:

Originally posted by SignalSgtWilliams:
NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! I've seen to many PTSD fakers and of those who are, that would recieve a PH, it's the same as a Stolen Valor Award.

I agree. I know one guy who is collecting VA money for PTSD. The cause of his devastating PTSD? He saw caskets on the flight line at Da-Nang!

a little off topic..

i heard the ph that are given today and every recempant(sp) of a ph since 1945 were made in 1945 for the invasion of japan ... they made so many for that invasion that we are still today giving them same ones out that were made in 1945...