John R. Slay Purple Heart

Details

Title	John R. Slay Purple Heart
Description	Purple Heart awarded to John R. Slay for wounds received during his service overseas. John R. Slay was ancestor to St. Louis, Missouri Mayor Francis Slay who served from 2001 to 2017. 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 Wilde's name is inscribed on the back.
Contributing Institution	Soldiers Memorial Military Museum
Copy Request
Rights