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Image courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA.
Image courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA.
The Purple Heart Medal
Image courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA.

The Purple Heart Medal

Artifact IDMO 63.1941.1.1
Object Type Medal
Date 1932-1943
Date Presented1943
Maker (Designer, Army Heraldic Specialist in the Office of the Quartermaster General)
Medium Silk, metal, enamel
DimensionsOverall W 1 3/8 in x H 3 1/4 in (8.3 cm x 3.5 cm)
Physical DescriptionThe Purple Heart Medal is a heart shaped decoration depicting the profile of George Washington set in purple enamel surrounded by a gold border, suspended from a purple silk ribbon with white borders. At the top of the heart is the Washington Coat of Arms consisting of a white shield with two horizontal red bars below three red stars, set between sprays of green leaves. The reverse shows a raised bronze heart and "FOR MILITARY MERIT".
Presented to Lt. Kennedy for his injuries sustained the night of August 2, 1943 when the motor torpedo boat he was commanding was struck by a Japanese destroyer.
Historical NoteThis Purple Heart Medal was presented to J. G. Lieutenant John F. Kennedy for his service in WWII by US Navy Admiral W.F. Halsey at the Chelsea Naval Hospital, in Chelsea, Massachusetts in 1943.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem is from the personal collection of President and Mrs. Kennedy. It was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesJohn F. Kennedy Personal Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - PossiblyUse Restriction NoteCopyright and other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
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