Staff Sergeant John D. Martek Purple Heart Restoration Act
Staff Sergeant John D. Martek Purple Heart Restoration Act
Plain Language Summary
# Staff Sergeant John D. Martek Purple Heart Restoration Act Summary **What the bill does:** This bill would allow veterans who suffered traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) caused by enemy action to receive the Purple Heart medal, even if their injuries occurred decades ago. Currently, the Purple Heart is primarily awarded for wounds caused by enemy weapons, but many service members with combat-related brain injuries have been excluded. The bill would require the military to create an application process so eligible veterans can apply for the medal retroactively, going back to December 7, 1941 (Pearl Harbor). **Who it affects:** The bill primarily affects veterans with service-connected traumatic brain injuries from enemy action who haven't yet received a Purple Heart.
These veterans would need to either have a documented service-connected disability from the brain injury or military records proving the injury occurred in combat. This could include veterans from recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, where blast-related brain injuries have been particularly common. **Current status:** The bill was introduced by Representative Timothy Kennedy (D-NY) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill has not advanced further at this time.
CRS Official Summary
Staff Sergeant John D. Martek Purple Heart Restoration ActThis bill provides for the awarding of the Purple Heart to veterans who experienced a traumatic brain injury on or after December 7, 1941, that is attributable to an act of an enemy of the United States. To be eligible, such veterans must have a service-connected disability attributable to the brain injury or have a military record demonstrating the occurrence of the brain injury.The bill requires the military departments to (1) establish a process for persons to submit applications for the awarding of the Purple Heart to such veterans, and (2) award the Purple Heart to qualifying applicants regardless of the date of the brain injury.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.