Amending Executive Order 11016 To Update Eligibility Criteria for Award of the Purple Heart
Jan 17, 2017
Jan 17, 2017
Summary
Changes the requirements for service members to be awarded the Purple Heart for being wounded or killed in action.
What problem does this solve?
The old rules for the Purple Heart did not cover all situations where a service member might be wounded, like from friendly fire or certain terrorist attacks. This order adds new situations, such as injuries from friendly fire or specific terrorist attacks, making more service members eligible for the award.
What does this order do?
Adds eligibility for friendly fire incidents
Allows a service member to receive the Purple Heart if wounded by friendly weapon fire while directly engaged in armed conflict.
Excludes wounds from willful misconduct
Adds a new rule stating the Purple Heart cannot be awarded for a wound or death that is the result of the service member's own willful misconduct.
Expands eligibility for terrorist attacks
Makes service members eligible if wounded in an attack after September 10, 2001, that was motivated or inspired by a foreign terrorist organization.
Clarifies eligibility for prisoners of war
Specifies that a service member is eligible if wounded while being taken captive or while being held as a prisoner of war.
Updates rules for posthumous awards
Changes the rules for awarding the Purple Heart after death to include the new eligibility situations, such as friendly fire and specific terrorist attacks.
Specifies wound severity
Amends the rules to clarify that a wound must be severe enough to require treatment by a medical officer.
Who does this affect?
- U.S. Armed Forces members
- Veterans
- Military families
What is the real world impact?
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Recognizes modern combat realities
Expands eligibility for the Purple Heart to include injuries from friendly fire and certain terrorist attacks, ensuring more service members who are wounded or killed in the line of duty are honored.
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Clarifies award standards
Specifies that wounds must be severe and not the result of the member's own willful misconduct, making the award process clearer for military departments.
When does this start?
This order became effective on January 12, 2017, and includes several new eligibility dates for past events.
Friendly fire incidents
Makes service members wounded by friendly fire eligible if the incident occurred after December 6, 1941.
Certain terrorist attacks
Makes service members wounded in attacks inspired by foreign terrorist groups eligible if the attack occurred after September 10, 2001.
International terrorist attacks and peacekeeping operations
Makes service members wounded in international terrorist attacks or while serving in a peacekeeping force eligible if the event occurred after March 28, 1973.
General combat wounds
Allows posthumous awards for members killed or who died from wounds in most combat situations after April 5, 1917.