Tok in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska — Northwest (North America)
Alaska Proudly Honors Purple Heart Recipients
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 14, 2024
1. Alaska Proudly Honors Purple Heart Recipients Marker
The History of the Purple Heart
In 1783 during the American Revolution General George Washington first awarded a decoration of embroidered purple fabric in the shape of a heart called the Badge of Military Merit. The decoration was awarded to recognize exceptionally meritorious action. This honor is considered the first official military combat badge of the United State Armed [F]orces and was the first decoration for valor presented to enlisted personnel.
In 1931, General Douglas MacArthur set out to establish a combat decoration to succeed the Badge of Military Merit. In 1932, the United States War Department authorized the new Purple Heart medal for soldiers who had previously received either a Wound Chevron or the Army Wound Ribbon. At that time, it was also determined the Purple Heart medal would be considered the official successor decoration to the Badge of Military Merit. On Washington's birthday (February 22, 1932) the new decoration was announced. It is awarded today to members of the United States Armed Forces who have been wounded or killed as a result of enemy action in combat.
The Purple Heart medal consists of a gold border surrounding a purple enamel heart with a bust of George Washington in the center. The Washington coat-of-arms is centered at the top of the medal with sprays of green leaves at each side.
Alaska's Purple Heart Trail
On
this page online
[Map showing Purple Heart Trail • Purple Heart Trail Marine Highway Route • National Highway System]
The Purple Heart Trail reminds us of our debt to those who greatly sacrificed for the freedoms we all enjoy.
Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: Military. A significant historical date for this entry is May 3, 2008.
Location. 63° 20.171′ N, 142° 58.983′ W. Memorial is in Tok in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska. It is at the intersection of Alaska Highway (Alaska Route 2 at milepost 1,314) and 2nd Street, on the left when traveling east on Alaska Highway.
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 14, 2024
2. Alaska Proudly Honors Purple Heart Recipients Marker
Regionally, this memorial is in the Athabascan Region and in Interior Alaska. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Russian Empire.
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 14, 2024
3. Nearby Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker and Flag Poles
Credits. This page was last revised on September 1, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 30, 2024, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 179 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 30, 2024, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
