Precursor To The Purple Heart...

On this day in 1782, George Washington creates the "Badge For Military Merit", a decoration consisting of a purple heart shaped piece of silk, edged with a binding of silver. The word "Merit" was stitched across the front of the heart. The badge was awarded to a soldier for any "singularly meritorious action". The wearer of the badge was permitted to pass by any guard or sentry without being challenged. The soldier that received the badge also had their name and regiment entered into a "Book of Merit". It is possible that this was the precursor to today's modern Purple Heart...