The Purple Heart is earned through acts of valor, bravery, courage, and fearlessness. It is awarded to troops that are wounded, killed, who has died, or may have died of wounds received from hostile forces while in armed combat, international terrorism, or being a Prisoner of War. The Purple Heart is the military’s oldest decoration and is held closely to its soldiers and their families. It represents the ultimate sacrifice a soldier can make for our country and the bravery that goes along with it.