The Purple Heart Is Created: This Day in History

On August 7, 1782, the Purple Heart is created by George Washington, who then called it the “Badge of Military Merit.” It is America’s oldest military decoration.

“The General, ever desirous to cherish virtuous ambition in his soldiers as well as foster and encourage every species of military merit, directs that whenever any singularly meritorious action is performed, the author of it shall be permitted to wear on his facings, over his left breast, the figure of a heart in purple cloth or silk edged with narrow lace or binding. Not only instances of unusual gallantry but also of extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way shall meet with due reward. …. The road to glory in a patriot army and a free country is thus open to all.”

- part of George Washington’s original order for the creation of the Purple Heart

Also on this day in history:

1789: The War Department (now known as the Department of Defense) is established by Congress.

1909: The U.S. issues the first Lincoln penny.

1914: Germany invades France.

1942: When U.S. troops land at Guadalcanal, the Allied forces begin an offensive campaign instead of standing by the same defensive tactics they had been using so far in the Pacific.

1959: Explorer 6, the first satellite to photograph Earth from orbit, is launched.

1964: Congress passes the Gulf of Tonkin resolution, which gives President Lyndon B. Johnson nearly unrestricted power in retaliating against the reported attacks made by the North Vietnamese on U.S. forces.

1998: Bombs are exploded by Al-Qaeda at U.S. embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. 224 people are killed, 12 of which are Americans.