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#3784A

2003 37c Purple Heart, Perf. 10.75 x 10.25

$1.50

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U.S. #3784A
37¢ Purple Heart
Issue Date: August 1, 2003
City: Somerset, NJ
Printed By: Ashton-Potter (USA) Ltd
Printing Method:
Lithographed
Perforations:
Serpentine Die Cut 10.75 x 10.25
Color: Multicolored

The Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration in the world still in active use, and it holds the distinction of being the first American military award available to enlisted personnel as well as officers. General George Washington ordered the creation of a badge of distinction for meritorious service on August 7, 1782, writing that the road to glory in a patriot army was thus open to all. Originally called the Badge of Military Merit, the award recognized soldiers for exceptional service during the Revolutionary War, marking one of the earliest formal efforts by the young nation to honor its fighting men regardless of rank.

The award fell out of use following the Revolutionary War and remained dormant for well over a century before being revived in 1932, the bicentennial of Washington's birth. At that time, the War Department reestablished the honor as the Purple Heart, redefining it to recognize service members wounded or killed in combat. The medal's design incorporates a profile of Washington set against a purple heart shape, paying direct tribute to the award's origins under his original order.

U.S. #3784A
37¢ Purple Heart
Issue Date: August 1, 2003
City: Somerset, NJ
Printed By: Ashton-Potter (USA) Ltd
Printing Method:
Lithographed
Perforations:
Serpentine Die Cut 10.75 x 10.25
Color: Multicolored

The Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration in the world still in active use, and it holds the distinction of being the first American military award available to enlisted personnel as well as officers. General George Washington ordered the creation of a badge of distinction for meritorious service on August 7, 1782, writing that the road to glory in a patriot army was thus open to all. Originally called the Badge of Military Merit, the award recognized soldiers for exceptional service during the Revolutionary War, marking one of the earliest formal efforts by the young nation to honor its fighting men regardless of rank.

The award fell out of use following the Revolutionary War and remained dormant for well over a century before being revived in 1932, the bicentennial of Washington's birth. At that time, the War Department reestablished the honor as the Purple Heart, redefining it to recognize service members wounded or killed in combat. The medal's design incorporates a profile of Washington set against a purple heart shape, paying direct tribute to the award's origins under his original order.

 
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