However , in 1997 , at the urging of the Military Order of the Purple Heart , Congress passed legislation prohibiting future awards of the Purple Heart to non-military personnel . Civilian employees of the U.S. Department of Defense who are killed or wounded as a result of hostile action may receive the new Defense of Freedom Medal . This award was created shortly after the terrorist attacks of September 11 , 2001
terrorist attacks of September 11 , 2001
September 11 attacks
Purple Heart