AMERICAN PURPLE HEART 

Originally a figure of the heart made of purple cloth or silk, authorized by General George Washington August 7, 1782 as a reward for " unusual gallantry, extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way" The purple Heart fell into disuse after the Revolutionary War, but was revived in 1932 on the 200th Anniversary of the birth of Washington. A large number of these then to men who serve in World War I.