United States. A Purple Heart, c.1960

Instituted in 1782. Two-piece construction, in bronze gilt with purple, red, white and green enamels, measuring 35 mm (w) x 43.5 mm (h), intact enamels, original ribbon with brooch pinback, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Purple Heart was instituted on August 7, 1782 and is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may die of wounds received in armed combat or as a result of an act of international terrorism.