| On This Day in American History |
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| On August 7, 1782, Gen. George Washington creates the Purple Heart, the oldest American decoration honoring military merit. Officially known as the ‘Badge for Military Merit,’ the purple, heart-shaped piece of silk trimmed with silver is awarded for ‘any singularly meritorious action.’ Today, the badge —which now bears Washington’s likeness — is given to members of the US armed forces who are killed or wounded in action, as well as soldiers who are mistreated as prisoners of war. |
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