#OnThisDay

7 August 1782 George Washington, commander-in-chief created the Purple Heart medal in his general orders to the Continental Army. Originally known as the Badge of Military Merit, which is considered as America’s first military decoration. It was only given to non-commissioned officers and private soldiers who had exhibited gallantry in battle and extraordinary loyalty and support, for as Washington said, the road to glory is “open to all”. Today it is celebrated as #PurpleHeartDay and the award is given in the name of the President of the United States. During World War II the Purple Heart was awarded to a brave group of men known as the Comanche Code Talkers. This group were instrumental to the D-Day Landings. Using a specialist form of code talk based on their native language, these men were part of the 4th infantry division and relayed messages. Not one of their codes were broken.

To read more about the Code Talkers and to hear our unexpected history of the D-Day Landings listen to our podcast on DDay!