The esteemed Purple Heart Medal, a powerful symbol of bravery and sacrifice, captures the valour and recognition of this iconic award. Its design and ribbon exemplify the legacy established by George Washington. Read more..
Established by George Washington, The Purple Heart Medal is one of the most iconic and revered military decorations in the United States. It is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have been wounded or killed in action against an enemy. The medal serves as a powerful symbol of bravery, sacrifice, and the high cost of freedom, recognizing those who have put their lives on the line for their country.
Design
The Purple Heart features a rich purple enamel heart, bordered by a gold frame, that carries an embossed profile of George Washington. Above the heart, a shield flanked with two leaf sprigs holds the ribbon. The overall design encapsulates the valour and sacrifice recognized by this esteemed award.
Ribbon
The accompanying silk ribbon is a royal purple colour, with a thin white border.
If you order your medal unmounted, the medal and ribbon will be supplied as separate components. Miniature medals will be supplied with 15cm of ribbon and full size medals will be supplied with 30cm of ribbon.
The court mounting of medals involves securing medals to a stiff backing board, along with the placement of a brooch fitting on the board. This ensures that the medals remain firmly in place and do not shift or move about while being worn.
It is mandatory for active members of the Australian Defence Force to have their medals court mounted, as it is considered the appropriate method of presenting military honours in a professional and respectful manner. By doing so, the medals are given proper recognition and are displayed in a neat and organized fashion.The swing mounting of medals refers to the attachment of a medal to a ribbon that is allowed to hang freely from a brooch, which in turn is affixed to a uniform or clothing. This mounting style was commonly used for medals from the Boer War up to and including World War II, although there are no fixed guidelines or regulations regarding its use.
Miniature Court Mounted medals are mounted using the same method as Full size medals, yet they are typically worn to ceremonies were wearing full size medals would be impractical. These medals are commonly worn to all ceremonies that take place after 6 pm such as dinners.
Miniature Swing Mounted medals are mounted using the same method as Full size medals, yet they are typically worn to ceremonies were wearing full size medals would be impractical. These medals are commonly worn to all ceremonies that take place after 6 pm such as dinners.
A ribbon bar is a small, rectangular display of ribbons worn on military uniforms to represent various honours and awards earned by the wearer. These ribbons are arranged in a specific order and are attached to a backing, which is then attached to the uniform. Ribbon bars are a compact and convenient way for military personnel to display their achievements and are often used in situations where a full-sized medal or award would be impractical.
