They don't receive purple hearts: a guide to an understanding and resolution of the invisible wound of war known as moral injury
Originally the Purple Heart was awarded for meritorious service. Being wounded was one portion of consideration for merit. With the creation of the Legion of Merit in 1942, the award of the Purple Heart for meritorious service became unnecessary and was therefore discontinued. The Purple Heart, per regulation is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Services after April 5, 1917 has been wounded, killed, or has died after being wounded. Moral injury, often called an invisible wound of war, is an injury that affects the spirit and soul of a person. It is like a bullet wound that if left untreated will continue to bleed, ultimately affecting the entire body, until, in the worst of cases, death results. As with any wound, a basic understanding of how to treat it is necessary. Consider this publication an opportunity to learn about some of the causes of moral injury and potential treatments for a moral wound."--Item text.