<P> The Purple Heart award is a heart - shaped medal within a gold border , 1 ⁄ inches ( 35 mm ) wide , containing a profile of General George Washington . Above the heart appears a shield of the coat of arms of George Washington ( a white shield with two red bars and three red stars in chief ) between sprays of green leaves . The reverse consists of a raised bronze heart with the words FOR MILITARY MERIT below the coat of arms and leaves . </P>
<P> The Purple Heart award is a heart - shaped medal within a gold border , 1 ⁄ inches ( 35 mm ) wide , containing a profile of General George Washington . Above the heart appears a shield of the coat of arms of George Washington ( a white shield with two red bars and three red stars in chief ) between sprays of green leaves . The reverse consists of a raised bronze heart with the words FOR MILITARY MERIT below the coat of arms and leaves . </P>
who is pictured on the purple heart medal
who is pictured on the purple heart medal
George Washington
George Washington