The First Purple Heart

Douglas MacArthur

In 1931, Army Chief of Staff Douglas MacArthur revived George Washington’s Badge of Military Merit. He came up with a new design and authorized its use for soldiers wounded in action: the Purple Heart.

Guess which soldier received the first one?

Here’s a hint: someone once said this about MacArthur’s dad, the hilariously-named Arthur MacArthur:

“He was the most flamboyantly egotistical person I had ever seen, until I met the son.”

MacArthur had lobbied heavily for all the medals he received, especially the Medal of Honor, which he eventually got.

Douglas MacArthur, recipient of Purple Heart #1.