| − | The Purple Heart is a medal given on the behalf of the [[President]] to members of the military who have been wounded or killed fighting for the [[United States of America]]. | + | The Purple Heart is a medal given on the behalf of the [[President]] to members of the military who have been wounded or killed fighting for the [[United States of America]]. The award began as the Badge of Military Merit, created by George Washington in the year 1782. |