Borchers Purple Heart

Details

Title	Borchers Purple Heart
Description	Purple Heart awarded to Private John Adolph Borchers for wounds he received during a gas attack in the Battle of the Argonne Forrest on October 2, 1918. Borcher served in the 128th Field Artillery. Authorized in 1782 by George Washington, the Purple Heart is America’s oldest military decoration. When the award was reinstituted in 1932, those who were wounded in World War I could apply for and receive the medal. The heart shaped medal features a relief of George Washington on the front, while the words “For Military Merit,” and Borcher’s named are inscribed on the back.
Site Accession Number	1979 087 0001
Contributing Institution	Missouri History Museum
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