Honoring the 233rd Anniversary of the Purple Heart

Purple Heart Created 233 Years Ago Today

Exactly 233 years ago on August 7, 1782 General George Washington - then the Commander-in-chief of the Continental Army - created the "Badge for Military Merit", also referred to as Badge for Merit, by order at his New Burgh, New York Headquarters. The decoration consisted of a purple, heart-shaped piece of silk, edged with a narrow binding of silver, with the word 'Merit' stitched across the face in silver. Next to the awarding of the badge, the honoree's name and regiment were also recorded in the Book of Merit.According to evidence, there are only three soldiers known to have been decorated with the award:

• Sergeant Daniel Brown born December 30, 1754 and died August 21, 1824. Acted as a soldier and spy for the Continental Army. He was a member of the 5th Connecticut Regiment. Brown is also the last known recipient of the Badge for Military Merit.
• Sergeant Daniel Bissell born in 1759 and passed away in 1808, who was a member of the 2nd Connecticut Regiment.Sergeant Elijah Churchill born in 1755 and passed away in 1841. He was a member of the 2nd Continental Light Dragoons.
• Sergeant Elijah Churchill born in 1755 and passed away in 1841. He was a member of the 2nd Continental Light Dragoons.

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