army distinction Dr badge more than years ago general washington wrote the general order establishing the purple heart as a badge of distinction in our army the badge was to foster and encourage every species of military merit and reward not only instances of unusual I 1 gallantry but also of extraordinary fidelity and essential service those to whom it was awarded were permitted to wear on the facings over the left breast the figure of a heart in purple cloth or silk edged with a narrow lace or binding