Thursday January 8, 2009, 12:51 am
This is shameful! They (politicians) send them (armed forces) off to war zones, then refuse to even acknowledge that they suffer from mental/emotional trauma? And now they're adding insult to injury?

Thursday January 8, 2009, 8:07 am
I have to say I actually agree with this decision. While it is true that PTSD needs more recognition and should certainly be used as criteria for medical benefits, combat recognition, etc., I think it is not the kind of thing the Purple Heart was meant to honor. When I think of the Purple Heart I think of people being wounded doing something heroic (I know that isn't always the case), and while PTSD could certainly be a result of something like that, it seems to me that it is pretty much an "occupational hazard" of being in a war zone. People have suffered mental problems after combat in EVERY war, but I just can't see honoring all of them with a Purple Heart. Perhaps the military should come up with a new medal of distinction for those who suffer PTSD after exceptional service. If everyone who suffers from PTSD is awarded a Purple Heart the status of the award will become almost meaningless. Thank you Michael. Very interesting.

Thursday January 8, 2009, 8:21 am
Thanks for this informative article Michael. I agree with Kathleen.

Thursday January 8, 2009, 11:53 am
The purple heart is designated for soldiers who are wounded or killed in action. I'm agreement with Kathleen, I think it should definitely stay that way; some would bring dishonor to the medal by false claims. However there should be something for those who experience mental stress such as PTSD. Something like that should only be given after it's verified by a doctor.

What should it be called?

A silver heart?

or maybe even a platinum star?

What other ideas do you have?

Thursday January 8, 2009, 4:04 pm
As a former Navy (Wave) in the late 60's and early 70's, I only knew of two individuals who had received the Purple Heart, while I was serving on active duty. (Vietnam conflict). Both men survived their tours in Nam, and came home scarred and wounded. The Medal is a distinguished, highly respected, and Hallowed commendation, and those who wear it, are treated with high regard, respect, and distinction for their military merit, in the face of danger, in rescue, or combat. "Let it be known that he who wears the military order of the Purple Heart has given of his blood in the defense of his homeland and shall forever be revered by his fellow countrymen." I am certain that the Pentagon thought this out , and then released the info to the public. This is not to say that we do not recognize our military currently, and their coming home with PTSD or any other disability, and it is for the Armed Forces to commend our troops for facing dangers every day, worldwide. I concur with their findings. Excellent Post, Michael, a green star coming your way. Thank you!

Thursday January 8, 2009, 4:35 pm
even the lion in the wizard of oz got an award

Thursday January 8, 2009, 4:42 pm
Thank you Gran. I appreciate it.

Thursday January 8, 2009, 5:17 pm
thanks for the info-noted.

Thursday January 8, 2009, 5:33 pm
HI ALL I LIVE IN THE UK AND I AM THE MOTHER OF TWO SERVING BRITISH SOLDIERS ONE WHO JOINED AT 17YRS 6MTHS AND MY YOUNGEST SON JOINED AT THE AGE OF 16 BOTH NOW 25 AND 22 I AGREE WITH SOME OF THE COMMENTS I WAS LEAD TO BELIEVE BY MY FATHER THE PURPLE HEART WAS ON THE SAME LEVEL AS THE VICTORIA CROSS MY SONS SERVED IN IRAQ TOGETHER AND RECIEVED A MEDAL FOR SERVICE WHEN THEY RETURNED CHRIS UK

Thursday January 8, 2009, 9:23 pm
I've been surrounded by veterans all my decades and feel this is a DESPICABLE way to treat them!!!!!!!!!

Friday January 9, 2009, 10:40 am
Doesn't everyone who serves in the military get some sort of medal acknowledging their service? I think the most important thing regarding PTSD is to stop denying the seriousness of the condition and allow returning vets access to full medical/emotional/psychological support. It really bothers me that they are trying to narrow the definition of what constitutes PTSD and are trying to avoid paying benefits to some veterans by claiming it was a "pre-existing condition".

Friday January 9, 2009, 12:14 pm
There's good conduct medals and those who served in a foreign war, such as vietnam get service medals for that.

Medals of honor are sometimes given out in peacetime for saving someone's life or other types of rescue.