On Sun, 02 Nov 2003 04:21:47 GMT, "Joe" wrote:

A Purple Heart is based on only one thing: being wounded in action while
serving
as a member of the U.S. Armed Services.

The wound must come from an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy.
Simply being wounded in action is not enough to be awarded the Purple Heart.

Here are the specific criteria:

(4) Examples of enemy-related injuries which clearly justify award of the Purple
Heart are as follows:

(a) Injury caused by enemy bullet, shrapnel, or other projectile created by
enemy action.
(b) Injury caused by enemy placed mine or trap.
(c) Injury caused by enemy released chemical, biological, or nuclear agent.
(d) Injury caused by vehicle or aircraft accident resulting from enemy
fire.
(e) Concussion injuries caused as a result of enemy generated explosions.

(5) Examples of injuries or wounds which clearly do not qualify for award of the
Purple Heart are as follows:

(a) Frostbite or trench foot injuries.
(b) Heat stroke.
(c) Food poisoning not caused by enemy agents.
(d) Chemical, biological, or nuclear agents not released by the enemy.
(e) Battle fatigue.
(f) Disease not directly caused by enemy agents.
(g) Accidents, to include explosive, aircraft, vehicular, and other
accidental wounding not related to or caused by enemy action.
(h) Self-inflicted wounds, except when in the heat of battle, and not
involving gross negligence.
(i) Post traumatic stressdisorders.
(j) Jump injuries not caused by enemy action.

"Friendly fire" (the ultimate oxymoron) is explicitly included in the criteria.

A pilot whose plane is shot down by enemy fire and who is injured during the
parachute landing will receive the award.

Joe Parsons