When injured during operations in support of a war or conflict, is the process for earning a Purple Heart automatic?

Cpl Anthony Pearson — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 10:37:42 -0400

When injured during operations in support of a war or conflict, is the process for earning a Purple Heart automatic? Does the individual have a choice to decline one? Or to not 'report it' at all?

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made Jun 9 at 2016 10:47 AM

SSG Pete Fleming — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 10:47:08 -0400

No, I have seen people who should have been given the award told they didn't earn and that it would not be pursued. Even with eyewitnesses and statements.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2016 10:48 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 10:48:01 -0400

Automatic? My uncle got his from his injury on D-Day on his 73rd birthday, and then only by his grandson pursuing it

Response by CSM Michael Chavaree made Jun 9 at 2016 10:59 AM

CSM Michael Chavaree — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 10:59:09 -0400

Not automatic, the AR600-8-22 describes the award criteria, and how to submit for one. You must have been wounded in a manner that is caused by the enemy (not a helicopter accident not caused by enemy fire), and you must have been treated by a medical officer (bumps and scrapes dont require treatment)... With that being said, there have been some slip through the cracks either way, some that dont actually rate, and some that do rate but were overlooked somehow.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2016 11:37 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 11:37:16 -0400

As long as there are witnesses to the account and there is documented medical papers stating you were treated for wounds due to enemy actions, then yes you are eligible for the PH. And, if no injuries are reported then you basically shoot yourself in the foot when in the future you try and claim disability for said injury.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2016 12:36 PM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 12:36:32 -0400

For my guys, it "seemed automatic" to them, but that is because I was running the ground work behind the scenes to ensure that everything was documented, submitted and followed through. Same with the CAR. I do not believe I ever issued one in error and to the best of my knowledge, everyone who rated it was issued one.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jun 9 at 2016 12:40 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 12:40:33 -0400

The biggest thing here is document the injury for VA purposes. This is the most important! If later on you try to file a claim with no paper work, you're screwed.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2016 2:01 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 02:01:37 -0400

While clearly an individual decoration, the Purple Heart differs from all other decorations in that an individual is not "recommended" for the decoration; rather he or she is entitled to it upon meeting specific criteria.

https://www.hrc.army.mil/TAGD/Purple%20Heart

HRC Homepage

Toll-Free: 1-888-ARMY-HRC (1-888-276-9472) DSN: 983-9500 askhrc.army@us.army.mil

Response by SFC Daniel McIntire made Jun 11 at 2016 11:18 AM

SFC Daniel McIntire — Sat, 11 Jun 2016 11:18:20 -0400

The process is not automatic. Supporting documentation is required to include a medical officer's record of the injury. Also S-1 may require a sworn statement.