The Purple Heart Reading Comprehension Name ______________________

The Purple Heart is an award that is given to members of the United States armed
forces that become injured during war, or given to family members of a person that dies
valiantly in military conflict at the hands of an enemy. This is a military decoration that is
only for those that have seen direct combat. The award is given based on merit. Some
of the ways merit was defined for receiving the award included being wounded, killed
during combat, or dying later as a result of injuries in battle.

The Purple Heart has a history that stretches back to the time of the American
Revolution. George Washington, who was a general in the Continental Army and not
yet President of the United States, wanted to recognize his soldiers for their dedication
to fighting for liberty and freedom. The Purple Heart was first called the Badge of
Military Merit, and was given to soldiers by Washington starting on August 7, 1782. The
names of the men that were given the award were listed in a “Book of Merit” that has
since been lost.

Washington made it known that the Badge of Military Merit was to become a permanent
distinction given by the military for all wars and conflicts to come. However, it was
forgotten until after World War I in 1918. General John J. Pershing knew that there was
a need for an award for merit for men who had fought in World War I. He wanted to
recognize the soldiers that had lost their lives and limbs in the horrible battles fought in
Europe. After many years of asking for an award that reflected the one that George
Washington originally put in place, in 1932 the Purple Heart was created. The purple
Heart award recognized the ideals that Washington found to be the criteria for just such
an award. For the first time since the Revolutionary War, veterans were given their
Purple Heart at Temple Hill in New Windsor, New York in 1933. This place was
significant to Americans because Temple Hill was the final encampment for soldiers
during the Revolutionary War. When handing out the award, organizers for the event
wanted the setting to show that America had come a long way since its birth.

The criteria for receiving the Purple Heart has changed since Washington first gave the
award for merit. In the beginning, the award was only given to soldiers in the Army and
the Army Air Corps, and could not be given to a soldier that had already died. In 1942,
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an executive order that allowed for members of
the Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard to receive the Purple Heart.
 1. The Purple Heart is an award that is given based on what quality or trait?
a. Honesty
b. Merit
c. Kindness
d. Bravery

2. General Washington wanted to recognize the merit of his soldiers in what war?
a. The Civil War
b. World War I
c. The American Revolution
d. The Korean War

3. Based on text evidence, why do you think the Book of Merit might have been
lost?

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4. According to the text, can a soldier receive the Purple Heart if he or she has NOT
been wounded or killed in battle? Explain your answer.

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5. Why is Temple Hill an important setting to have an awards ceremony for

Americans?

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Purple Heart Comprehension Questions ANSWER KEY

1. B
2. C
3. Answers will vary
4. Answers will vary
5. Answers will vary