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THE PURPLE HEART'S FIRST RECIPIENTS

 Blog Post 3 of 11 


For their bravery, Privates Paulding, Williams and Van Wart were awarded the newly created “Military Badge of Merit” for their patriotism by General George Washington. Years after their deaths, another recognition of their patriotism was established.  On June 11th in 1829, a monument was erected to them at the Presbyterian Cemetery in Greenburgh, New York which reads:

 “Fidelity.  On the 23rd of September 1780, Isaac Van Wart, accompanied by John Paulding and David Williams, all farmers of the county of West Chester, intercepted Major Andre, on his return from the American Lines in the character of a spy, and notwithstanding the large bribes offered them for his release, nobly disdained to sacrifice their Country for gold, secured and carried him to the Commanding Officer of the district, whereby the dangerous and traitorous conspiracy of Arnold was brought to light, the insidious designs of the enemy baffled, the American Army saved, and our beloved country free.”

The idea of awarding medallions for a soldiers meritorious service, originated in Europe as a practice to their honor high-ranking officers who achieved a victory.  However the aristocratic Europeans did not believe in awarding badges to the common soldier for their courage or extraordinary service. 
It was General Washington who established this American badge of honor for the common soldier on August 7th, 1782 just prior to the end of America's Revolutionary War on September 3, 1783. Washington had recognized the need to award those soldiers who distinguished themselves in honorable service and in combat.  Washington designed this prestigious award in the figure of a heart in purple cloth, or silk, edged with a narrow lace or binding to be worn on the left breast.  The medallion is replicated in this same manner today, but its obverse now bears General Washington's profile.
  


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