Purple Heart used to mean something different

The next time you hear someone say that PTSD and TBI do not qualify for the Purple Heart, remember this.

Women Who Served

First Lt. Annie G. Fox, Army Nurse Corps, was on duty at Pearl Harbor at the time of the attack.

For her outstanding performance, she was recommended for and awarded the Purple Heart.

Originally established by Gen. George Washington in 1782, the Purple Heart was reinstituted in 1932 for the bicentennial of Washington's birth. Although generally awarded to service members wounded in action, it was also awarded for any "singularly meritorious act of extraordinary fidelity or essential service."

Later in the war, the requirements for award of the Purple Heart were limited to wounds received as a result of enemy action. At that time, individuals were given other awards to replace the Purple Heart.