I am a vet, although I never saw combat. I agree with his sentiment that the Purple Heart should only be awarded to those who conciously fight for the US, although I disagree with his decision to publicly demonstrate his negative feelings in this manner. Poor timing, to say the least.
I have to admit I felt the military gave out medals like candy when I was in (10 years ago) but he is doing more to dishonor fellow veterans by publicly smashing his Purple Heart than officials are demeaning it's value by awarding it regardless of the nature of service given. Ultimately, those who died at the Pentagon on September 11 did give their lives for their country, even if they were only working in an office complex the time. They should be honored in some official way, even if awarding the Purple Heart might not be the most appropriate way. I'm certain no dishonor was meant to previous recipients.
The charter of the Purple Heart is for anyone that gets pinged or killed ,the September 11 casualties qualify even if it was a cook at the markets buying tomatos,at any veterans meetings the Veterans know from other medals,citation pins and campaign badges,and unit who's who at the zoo ,people like Hackworth know who's of his ilk and who faught and died in 6 world wars singlehandedly taking hill 169 etc on temporary leave from supply.