"The road to glory in a patriot army and a free country is thus open to all."             George Washington Commander in Chief, Continental Army First President of the United States

"I am proud to be a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. This group of patriots serves as a reminder to our nation and to the world that we have shed blood for our country, and we fight to defend our freedom. The Order deserves the full support of all those who are eligible for membership." Strom Thurmond  South Carolina Senator United States Senate

"...persons who have received the Purple Heart during combat..." 

There is a proud history to an award which was created for "gallantry but also of extraordinary fidelity and essential service."

The order to establish the first Purple Heart was issued by George Washington during the Revolutionary War. The official papers, signed by Washington, were saved from burning during the War of 1812. The famous award was revived in 1932 by President Hoover and General Douglas MacArthur. 
Today, as in the past, the single bond that unites members of The Order is that each 
has sustained a wound inflicted by an enemy in combat. There is no exclusion by war,
or by branch of service ... the members common bond is that they have given of their own blood. 

The Order exists to serve, not only combat wounded, but all veterans and their dependents.