For Purple Heart Day: 4 Brave Celebrities Who Earned the Military’s Most Sacred Medal
These actors and icons served their country—and paid the price for our freedom
On August 7th, Americans take the time to recognize and celebrate Purple Heart Day, an annually observed holiday that honors and remembers those who served and received a Purple Heart.
A Purple Heart is received by the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces for being wounded or killed while serving. The honor is the oldest military decoration still in use, as it was originally established by General George Washington on August 7, 1782, though it was then known as the Badge of Military Merit.
While you may not often associate the military honor with your favorite celebrities, there are quite a few famous faces who were recipients of a Purple Heart for their time serving, whether before or during their fame. Find out which celebrities received a Purple Heart and about the circumstances that led them there.
James Arness
Known best for his leading role as Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke, received a Purple Heart after being injured badly during the Battle of Anzio in Italy during World War II. The actor severely wounded his leg during the battle in 1944 and he was honorably discharged in 1945, which is when he was awarded the Purple Heart. Arness also received a Bronze Star, which is awarded for heroic achievement.
Rod Serling
The creator and narrator of The Twilight Zone, Rod Serling once received a Purple Heart for his service during World War II. The screenwriter was wounded in combat while in the Philippines after sustaining shrapnel wounds to the wrist and knee. He was honorably discharged in 1946.
James Garner
The Maverick star, James Garner, received the honor of a Purple Heart not once, but twice! The actor received his first honor during the Korean War after sustaining shrapnel injuries to the face and hand. He received his second Purple Heart in 1983 for a “friendly fire” incident that also occurred during the Korean War but wasn’t recognized until years later. Garner was awarded for the second time in 1983, 32 years after the incident.
John F. Kennedy
Even the former President was a recipient of a Purple Heart for his service. John F. Kennedy, who was the president from 1961 until his death in 1963, was awarded the honor for his time served during World War II. He was injured in 1943 while on his patrol boat after a Japanese destroyer rammed into them. JFK took the role as leader and swam to safety on the nearest island with his other surviving crew members. Although he had a back injury of his own, he pulled another man by holding his lifejacket in his mouth until they were both safe.
While on the island, the crew encountered two natives who gave them a coconut, which Kennedy carved a message into. The coconut with the message asking for help made its way to the New Zealand infantry patrol, who came to their aid. Kennedy kept hold of that coconut and later used it as a paperweight on his desk in the Oval Office. JFK is the only President to have received a Purple Heart for his service.
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