Show army distinction badge bade more afore than years yearb ngo 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 laili tiry merit and reward not only instances of unusual 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 |