Tester Leads Bipartisan Legislative Effort to Honor Purple Heart Recipients

Chairman introduced bipartisan bill to include medal recipients on federal military awards website

Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester recently introduced bipartisan legislation to honor recipients of the Purple Heart Medal. The Purple Heart Medal is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces killed or wounded in action.

The Honoring Purple Heart Recipients Act of 2022 would require the Department of Defense to make public certain Purple Heart recipients on its military awards website—giving recipients the option to voluntarily include themselves on the site. Currently, only Medal of Honor, Service Crosses, and Silver Star recipients are featured on the site.

“The men and women awarded the Purple Heart represent the very best of Montana and America,” said Chairman Tester. “Our bill will help honor their sacrifices and serve as a lasting reminder of our role in providing these brave heroes with the quality care and benefits they’ve earned on behalf of a grateful nation.”

The Honoring Purple Heart Recipients Act of 2022 is supported by various Veterans Service Organizations and veteran stakeholders, including the National Flag Foundation, Military Order of the Purple Heart, American Legion, Marine Corps League, Gold Star Mothers, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

A fierce advocate for servicemembers and veterans, Tester has helped Montana veterans and their families secure more than 1,000 military honors and awards for their military service.