Is psychological turmoil deserving of a Purple Heart?
With no outward and discernable maladies, it is hard to figure out the true extent of psychological damage on the soldiers that have served. However, the numbers show that for every soldier killed or wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan, 10 others come home with post traumatic stress disorder. Some are starting to ask if the mentally injured are also deserving of a Purple Heart. With the original order including the phrase, “Let it be known that he who wears the military order of the purple heart has given of his blood in the defense of his homeland and shall forever be revered by his fellow countrymen.” it is a theoretical debate that will give rise to new interpretations.
