How does the community feel about the Purple Heart today?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 02:06:47 -0400

Just wanted to hear the thoughts on the Purple Heart and how easy it seems they give them out. For those who have been awarded them in the past. Is it insulting to you the way it is being handled now?

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jul 10 at 2015 2:24 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 02:24:57 -0400

Are you certain it is different now?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 3:16 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 03:16:43 -0400

I'm not exactly sure how they are being awarded now but a few of my buddies received them due to TBI. My friends were completely different after the blast or in many cases blasts. So in that regards its not insulting at all. I would hope that soldiers would have enough respect for the award to turn it down if it was for something not life threatening.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 10 at 2015 3:18 AM

PO1 John Miller — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 03:18:25 -0400

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member, I'm not sure where you're getting this information from. I know plenty of wounded warriors who have gotten Purple Hearts.

And if what you say IS true, it isn't a new thing. Look at Secretary of State John Kerry's own Purple Heart for an example.

Response by PVT Robert Gresham made Jul 10 at 2015 3:30 AM

PVT Robert Gresham — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 03:30:22 -0400

I believe that this particular issue is raised during every "Combat Period" since WW II. This is, however, the first time that the country has been at war that every Purple Heart is documented and played up online and, in some cases, on local radio and television.

Maybe the problem is that we live in an information era, which means that, for right or for wrong, a lot of statistics are out there, and for not only civilians to use. Could it be that some Commanders feel that their units need to have a certain number of Purple Heart nominees / recipients to keep up with other commands? When the Unit looks better, more awards for example, doesn't it make the Commander look better for his / her next Promotion Board?

I'm not saying it's true, but it is a hypothesis that could possibly explain the feelings expressed in your question, SSgt Kenneth Vance.

P.S. I do love conspiracy theories........