Definition: Found on many military tombstones, especially government-issued tombstones, the acronym PH stands for Purple Heart. The Order of the Purple Heart for Military Merit, commonly called The Purple Heart, is an American decoration created by one of the world's most famed and best-loved heroes – General George Washington. It is awarded to members of the US Armed Forces 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.

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Organization formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all who have received the Purple Heart is composed exclusively of Purple Heart recipients. It is the only strictly 'combat' organization in existence.