Instituted in 1782. Two-piece construction, in bronze gilt with purple, red, white and green enamels, engraved "JOHNNY B. LEE" on the reverse, measuring 35 mm (w) x 46.8 mm (h) inclusive of its laterally-pierced ball suspension, intact enamels, original ribbon with brooch pinback, extremely fine. Accompanied by its 35.8 mm (w) x 9.7 mm (h) ribbon bar, in its hardshelled case of issue, black dimpled exterior, inscribed "PURPLE HEART" on the lid, inside lid lined in light yellow nylon, base with a light yellow cloth medal bed, exterior exhibiting light wear, case better than very fine.
Footnote: Private Johnny B. Lee was from Mingo, West Virginia and was with the Infantry, 1st Cavalry Division, United States Army during the Korean War, when he was seriously wounded in action in South Korea, on September 15, 1950.

