Military Order of the Purple Heart

Military Order of the Purple Heart. It is a congressionally chartered veterans service organization composed exclusively of men and women who have received the Purple Heart decoration, which is awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces wounded or killed in combat. Established in 1932, the organization is dedicated to fostering goodwill and camaraderie among combat-wounded veterans, providing support and advocacy for them and their families, and promoting patriotic ideals. Its national headquarters is located in Springfield, Virginia.

History and establishment

The order traces its lineage directly to the creation of the Badge of Military Merit by General George Washington in 1782 during the American Revolutionary War, which is considered the forerunner of the modern Purple Heart. The modern decoration was revived on the bicentennial of Washington's birth by the order of General Order No. 3 issued by General of the Armies John J. Pershing and formally re-established by an executive order from President Herbert Hoover in 1932. The organization itself was founded that same year, receiving a federal charter from the United States Congress in 1958, which places it under the oversight of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Key early figures in its formation included several veterans of World War I who had been recipients of the newly re-instituted award, seeking to create a fraternal order for those sharing the unique bond of combat wounds.

Organization and membership

The national structure is governed by a National Commander and a National Executive Committee, with its operations centered at the national headquarters near Washington, D.C.. Membership is restricted to any person who has received the Purple Heart medal, as authorized by the United States Department of Defense and documented through official military records like the DD Form 214. The organization is divided into state-level departments and local chapters, which hold regular meetings and events. Eligibility is lifelong and includes veterans from all service branches, including the United States Army, United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, United States Air Force, United States Space Force, and United States Coast Guard, who were wounded in conflicts from World War II to recent operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Activities and programs

Primary activities include veteran advocacy, lobbying the United States Congress on issues related to healthcare through the Veterans Health Administration, benefits, and recognition. The order operates a National Service Officer program to assist members with VA claims. It is also heavily involved in patriotic and educational outreach, such as sponsoring Americanism essay contests, participating in ceremonies at memorials like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and supporting the Purple Heart Trail and Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New Windsor, New York. The organization provides welfare and hardship assistance to veterans and their families, and its members often participate in community events, Memorial Day parades, and Veterans Day observances across the country.

Awards and recognition

The order presents several internal awards to recognize exceptional service by its members and supporters, including the Patriot of the Year award and the George Washington Medal of Honor. It also bestows the MOPH Scholarship to children and grandchildren of Purple Heart recipients. The organization itself has been recognized by numerous governmental bodies for its service, and its members are often honored guests at events hosted by groups like the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. The distinctive Purple Heart license plate is available in many states through advocacy by the order's local chapters.

Notable members

Many prominent military figures and public servants have been members, including Audie Murphy, the most decorated U.S. soldier of World War II, and Senator John McCain, a naval aviator and prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. Other notable members include General Alexander M. Haig Jr., General Norman Schwarzkopf Jr. of Operation Desert Storm fame, and Colonel Gregory "Pappy" Boyington, a Marine Corps flying ace and Medal of Honor recipient. The roster also includes thousands of lesser-known veterans from every major conflict since the Spanish-American War who have contributed significantly to their communities and the nation.

Category:Veterans' organizations based in the United States Category:Organizations established in 1932 Category:Purple Heart recipients