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Introduction
The Badge of Military Merit is a notable military award from the United States Armed Forces, holding the title of America's first military decoration and the world's second oldest, coming after the Cross of St. George.
Creation and Design
The Badge of Military Merit was first announced in General George Washington's general orders to the Continental Army on August 7, 1782, at the Headquarters in Newburgh. Designed by Washington himself in the shape of a purple heart, it was intended to serve as a military order for soldiers who displayed "not only instances of unusual gallantry in battle, but also extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way".
A Distinctive Merit
One of the unique aspects of the Badge of Military Merit was that it was one of the first times in modern history that military awards had been presented to common soldiers. Unlike the prevailing practice in Europe, which mostly honored high-ranking officers who had achieved victory, the Badge of Military Merit paved the way for recognizing the valor of ordinary soldiers in America.
The Badge's Specifications
Washington issued a general order detailing the badge, stating that recipients would be permitted to wear the figure of a heart in purple cloth or silk, edged with narrow lace or binding over their left breast. This recognition wasn't only for gallantry but also for extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way. The award also allowed the recipient to pass all guards and sentinels which officers were permitted to do.
Notable Recipients
Historians generally agree that only three people received the Badge of Military Merit during the American Revolutionary War, all noncommissioned officers, and the only ones who received the award from General Washington himself:
Sergeant William Brown of the 5th Connecticut Regiment of the Connecticut Line
Sergeant Elijah Churchill of the 2nd Regiment Light Dragoons
Sergeant Daniel Bissell of the 2nd Connecticut Regiment of the Connecticut Line.
Fate of the Original Badges
The original badges awarded to the three known recipients have had varied fates. Brown's badge was reportedly found in a barn in the 1920s, but it's uncertain what happened to it after that. Churchill's badge is on display at the New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site, owned by the National Temple Hill Association, while Bissell's badge was reportedly lost in a fire in 1813.
The Badge's Legacy
After the Revolutionary War, the Badge of Military Merit fell into disuse but was never officially abolished. In 1932, the United States War Department authorized the new Purple Heart Medal for soldiers who had previously received either a Wound Chevron or the Army Wound Ribbon. The Purple Heart Medal is now considered the official "successor decoration" to the Badge of Military Merit.
