Despite media reports, Army still waiting on approval of Purple Heart guidance

By Army News ServiceMarch 18, 2011

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, March 18, 2011) -- Some information currently in the civilian media regarding award of Purple Hearts to Soldiers who have received concussive injuries may not be correct.

Despite published information, the Army is actually still awaiting final approval of formal guidance regarding the award of Purple Hearts.

"We expect the approval to come soon, but some of the information being published now in the media is subject to change," said Lt. Col. Stacy Bathrick, U.S. Army Human Resources Command public affairs officer.

Until an official guidance is approved and released through command channels and on the Human Resource Command website, Soldiers and Veterans are asked to wait before submitting or resubmitting an application for the Purple Heart award for concussion injuries.

Once the requirements are published, Soldiers currently serving in the active Army, Army Reserves or Army National Guard should resubmit through their chain of command. It is the responsibility of the individual Soldier or Veteran to resubmit.

Veterans should resubmit to the U.S. Army Human Resources Command at:

Commander, USA HRC

ATTN: Awards & Decorations Branch (AHRC-PDP-A)

1600 Spearhead Division Ave.

Fort Knox, KY 40121-5408

1-888-276-9472

Email: hrc.tagd.awards@conus.army.mil

Website: www.hrc.army.milawards