I am out of service & thinking of applying for a Purple Heart. Is there a POC to contact for help or should I just apply on my own?

SPC James Harsh — Sat, 08 Oct 2016 22:03:37 -0400

Thanks for any advice!

Response by SPC James Harsh made Oct 8 at 2016 10:15 PM

SPC James Harsh — Sat, 08 Oct 2016 22:15:48 -0400

I never talk to groups outside of official DOD but maybe I should ask someone familiar with the VA and the Federal building, that is what I am thinking. I don't know what it's called but I think there's representation available for claims so maybe that would be a good start. I didn't know if anyone has experience of doing it.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Oct 8 at 2016 10:29 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Sat, 08 Oct 2016 22:29:40 -0400

Did you get hurt in combat?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2016 11:36 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Oct 2016 23:36:45 -0400

You could literally google "apply for purple heart" and it's the first item.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Oct 9 at 2016 12:19 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Sun, 09 Oct 2016 00:19:47 -0400

(2) Any member of the Army who believes that they are eligible for the PH but, through unusual circumstances no award was made ,may submit an application through the member’s chain of command to Commander , H R C (AHRC–PDP–A). If the requestor has separated from the military, the application may be mailed directly to the Commander, HRC (AHRC–PDP–A). The application will include the following documentation pertaining to the wound and inflicting force:
(a) DA Form 4187 (Personnel Action).
(b) Chain of command endorsement (through the first general officer in the Soldier’s current chain of command for currently serving members).
(c) Deployment orders.
(d) DA Form 4037 (Officer Record Brief)/enlisted records brief (ERB)/DA Form 2–1 (Personnel Qualification Record).
(e) One-page narrative describing the qualifying incident and the conditions under which the member was injured or wounded.
(f) Statements from at least two individuals, other than the proposed recipient, who were personally present, observed the incident, and have direct knowledge of the event. Alternatively, other official documentation may be used to corroborate the narrative.
(g) Casualty report.
(h) SF 600 (Medical Record - Chronological Record of Medical Care).
(i) DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) (if applicable).
k. Each approved award of the PH must exhibit all of the following factors: wound, injury, or death must have been the result of circumstances described in paragraph 2–8b; the wound or injury must have required treatment, not merely examination, by a medical officer. Additionally, treatment of the wound will be documented in the Servicemember’s medical and/or health record. Award of the PH may be made for wounds treated by a medical professional other than a medical officer provided a medical officer includes a statement in the Servicemember’s medical record that the extent of the wounds were such that they would have required treatment by a medical officer if one had been available to treat them

Ar600_8_22.pdf para 2-8

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2016 5:10 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 17:10:29 -0400

SPC James Harsh I have a scar on my right thumb where some shrapnel hit it. It was only a surface wound. Being a door gunner and seeing the WIA's we took on board, to take to the hospital, I wasn't going to disgrace their serious wounds with a PH for me. I have arthritis in my thumb now, but it doesn't come close to the wounds I attended to after getting them on board. I have a DV license plate, but not for that. I also, don't park in Handicap spots, because I can still walk. I'm not sure I would if I couldn't walk. That's just me. Go for it if you think you deserve it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2016 8:18 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 08:18:50 -0400

This is where I have a slight issue with the Purple Heart. Soldiers that were wounded in action deserve distinction, the other side of the award is that is the metal given to families for those who weren't as fortunate as us. I was wounded in action and have TBI, one other individual in the vehicle received a Purple Heart. The rest of us decided we didn't want the award that's was given posthumously to family's along with a folded flag "from a greatful nation"......
Just my opinion