[xzins]

contusions on his right forearm when a mine detonated close to his boat on March 13, 1969.

Is a contusion a bruise?

If so, do they award purple hearts for bruises? I've NEVER heard of that before. Ever. Anyplace. Has anyone else?

[Carolinamom]

A contusion is a bruise, an injury that does not break the skin. And for that he asks for a Purple Heart?

[prairiebreeze]

contusion: injury to tissue usually without laceration -- BRUISE

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Doesn't fit into the Purple Heart criteria.

[MeekOneGOP]

Thanks for the ping ! ;^)

[SAMWolf]

As far as I know a contusion id a bruise. Also Aas far as I know a contusion is not a Purple Heart wound, unless you're John F'ning Kerry and can write up your own citation.

[Gamecock]

A contusion is a brusie.

As far as the Purple Heart goes, from AR 600-8-22:

b. 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.

(1) A Purple Heart is authorized for the first wound suffered under conditions indicated above, but for each subsequent award an Oak Leaf Cluster will be awarded to be worn on the medal or ribbon. Not more than one award will be made for more than one wound or injury received at the same instant or from the same missile, force, explosion, or agent.

(2) 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.

(3) When contemplating an award of this decoration, the key issue that commanders must take into consideration is the degree to which the enemy caused the injury. The fact that the proposed recipient was participating in direct or indirect combat operations is a necessary prerequisite, but is not sole justification for award.

(4) Examples of enemy-related injuries which clearly justify award of the Purple Heart are as follows:

(a) Injury caused by enemy bullet, shrapnel, or other projectile created by enemy action.

(b) Injury caused by enemy placed mine or trap.

(c) Injury caused by enemy released chemical, biological or nuclear agent.

(d) Injury caused by vehicle or aircraft accident resulting from enemy fire.

(e) Concussion injuries caused as a result of enemy generated explosions.

(5) Examples of injuries or wounds which clearly do not qualify for award of the Purple Heart are as follows:

(a) Frostbite or trench foot injuries.

(b) Heat stroke.

(c) Food poisoning not caused by enemy agents.

(d) Chemical, biological, or nuclear agents not released by the enemy.

(e) Battle fatigue.

(f) Disease not directly caused by enemy agents.

(g) Accidents, to include explosive, aircraft, vehicular, and other accidental wounding not related to or caused by enemy action.

(h) Self-inflicted wounds, except when in the heat of battle, and not involving gross negligence.

(i) Post traumatic stressdisorders.

(j) Jump injuries not caused by enemy action.

(6) It is not intended that such a strict interpretation of the requirement for the wound or injury to be caused by direct result of hostile action be taken that it would preclude the award being made to deserving personnel. Commanders must also take into consideration the circumstances surrounding an injury, even if it appears to meet the criteria. Note the following examples:

(a) In a case such as an individual injured while making a parachute landing from an aircraft that had been brought down by enemy fire; or, an individual injured as a result of a vehicle accident caused by enemy fire, the decision will be made in favor of the individual and the award will be made.

(b) Individuals wounded or killed as a result of "friendly fire" in the "heat of battle" will be awarded the Purple Heart as long as the "friendly" projectile or agent was released with the full intent of inflicting damage or destroying enemy troops or equipment.

(c) Individuals injured as a result of their own negligence; for example, driving or walking through an unauthorized area known to have been mined or placed off limits or searching for or picking up unexploded munitions as war souvenirs, will not be awarded the Purple Heart as they clearly were not injured as a result of enemy action, but rather by their own negligence.



I would say, based on the criteria, a bruise suffered as a direct result of enemy action, qualifies one for the Purple Heart.

[JulieRNR21]

Here's what Webster's Dictionary says:

Main Entry: con·tu·sion
Pronunciation: k&n-'tü-zh&n, -'tyü-
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English conteschown, from Middle French contusion, from Latin contusion-, contusio, from contundere to pound, bruise, from com- + tundere to beat; akin to Gothic stautan to strike, Sanskrit tudati he pushes
Date: 15th century
: injury to tissue usually without laceration : BRUISE 1a
- con·tuse /-'tüz, -'tyüz/ transitive verb

It is a BRUISE. I understood that a Purple Heart was awarded for WOUNDS that required medical treatment. No treatment is usually given for bruises!

[GOPJ]

Thanks for the ping.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!