"More than one million men and women have received the Purple Heart since its creation as an award for military merit in 1932. This book provides a brief history of the Purple Heart, with a focus on how the decoration s award criteria have evolved. The book then takes a representative look at Purple Heart recipients from all the services by conflict, concluding with Afghanistan and Iraq." Publisher's description

A short history of the purple heart : background, design, and award criteria -- Soldiers : Revolutionary War to Afghanistan and Iraq -- Sailors : Spanish-American War to Afghanistan and Iraq -- Airmen : World War I to War on terrorism -- Marines : Spanish-American War to Afghanistan and Iraq -- Coast guardsmen : World War I to Afghanistan and Iraq -- Civilians : World War II to the War on Terrorism -- Families : brothers, fathers and sons, and husbands and wives -- Celebrities : artists and entertainers, politicians, athletes, and other public figures.