It is specifically a combat decoration.
Second and subsequent awards are denoted by bronze Oak Leaf Clusters; a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster is worn in lieu of 5 Bronze.
View the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster
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The PURPLE HEART is awarded to members of the armed forces of the U.S. who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action. It is specifically a combat decoration. Second and subsequent awards are denoted by bronze Oak Leaf Clusters; a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster is worn in lieu of 5 Bronze. |