Al Scales ReynoldsHow does he rate the military Purple Heart?

Answer 1

From the source sited below.

Any member of an Armed Force or any civilian national of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Services after 5 April 1917, has been wounded or killed, or who has died or may hereafter die after being wounded-

(1) In any action against an enemy of the United States.

(2) In any action with an opposing armed force of a foreign country in which the Armed Forces of the United States are or have been engaged.

(3) While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

(4) As a result of an act of any such enemy of opposing armed forces.

(5) As the result of an act of any hostile foreign force

(6) After 28 March 1973, as a result of an international terrorist attack against the United States or a foreign nation friendly to the United States, recognized as such an attack by the Secretary of the Army, or jointly by the Secretaries of the separate armed services concerned if persons from more than one service are wounded in the attack.

(7) After 28 March 1973, as a result of military operations while serving outside the territory of the United States as part of a peacekeeping force.

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While clearly an individual decoration, the Purple Heart differs from all other decorations in that an individual is not "recommended" for the decoration; rather he or she is entitled to it upon meeting specific criteria.
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A wound is defined as an injury to any part of the body from an outside force or agent sustained under one or more of the conditions listed above. A physical lesion is not required, however, the wound for which the award is made must have required treatment by a medical officer and records of medical treatment for wounds or injuries received in action must have been made a matter of official record

Answer 2

The Purple Heart was awarded for injuries in battle, however after Vietnam, the medal means little. Some people in VN were awarded the medal for twisted ankles, or other superficial injuries. The Bronze Medal is as bad...looks good on your dress uniform but really means very little. When I think about the seriously wounded men in Vietnam and my relatively minor injuries, I am ashamed to put mine on...they deserved the recognition. I have three PH...not bragging...I was just stupid...but lived. So PHs are not the meritorious medal many think. In Vietnam they were shipped in in large cases and I always thought that it was like a bag of chewy candy.