Purple Heart Medal - U.S. Military Decoration for Combat Wounds #2004451 (License: Personal Use)

The image displays both sides of a U.S. Purple Heart medal: the obverse shows a gold heart with purple enamel and a relief profile of George Washington beneath the coat of arms of the Continental Army; the reverse is engraved “FOR MILITARY MERIT” and bears the recipient’s name, Fred D. Smith Jr. The medal hangs from a purple ribbon with white edges and includes a pin-back clasp for wear. This decoration, established by George Washington in 1782 and revived in 1932, honors those injured or killed while serving in combat.

Used on military history websites, veteran memorial pages, museum digital collections, and government resources; serves users seeking information on U.S. military awards, personal recognition, or historical research on valor decorations.