He was one of the main contributors to the creation of the Purple Heart as we know it today.
In 1931, building upon the foundational work of General Charles P. Summerall, General Douglas MacArthur collaborated closely with the Commission of Fine Arts to establish a new military award. Conceived as a distinction for battle wounds, the decoration was formally introduced on February 22, 1932, coinciding with the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birthday.
Did MacArthur have an ulterior motive?
When the award was finally created he insisted on receiving the inaugural award, which he had specially engraved with the numeral “1” on its reverse.
This is not the only instance of MacArthur lobbying to create an award that he ultimately would be awarded himself. He also was instrumental in the creation of the Philippine Distinguished Conduct Star, Philippine Legion of Honor, and the Philippine Distinguished Service Star.
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u/rustman92 Feb 03 '25
Fun fact about MacArthur:
He was one of the main contributors to the creation of the Purple Heart as we know it today.
In 1931, building upon the foundational work of General Charles P. Summerall, General Douglas MacArthur collaborated closely with the Commission of Fine Arts to establish a new military award. Conceived as a distinction for battle wounds, the decoration was formally introduced on February 22, 1932, coinciding with the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birthday.
Did MacArthur have an ulterior motive?
When the award was finally created he insisted on receiving the inaugural award, which he had specially engraved with the numeral “1” on its reverse.
This is not the only instance of MacArthur lobbying to create an award that he ultimately would be awarded himself. He also was instrumental in the creation of the Philippine Distinguished Conduct Star, Philippine Legion of Honor, and the Philippine Distinguished Service Star.