Establishment of Military Merit Badge

Date: August 7, 1782 • Location: Washington, United States

The Badge of Military Merit (pictured), the precursor to the U.S. Purple Heart, was established as a military decoration of the Continental Army.

The Badge of Military Merit was an award for non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the Continental Army. It is considered America's first military decoration, and the second oldest in the world. Non commissioned officers and soldiers of the Continental Army were eligible. Renamed as the Purple Heart, it was ordered redesigned in 1931, and was re-commissioned in 1932 by General Douglas MacArthur in honor of George Washington’s bicentennial.