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Ghent Today
By the People, for the People
Purple Heart Awarded to West Virginia National Guard Members
Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe and U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom recognized for service and sacrifice
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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During President Donald Trump's State of the Union address in February 2026, Purple Hearts were awarded to Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe and posthumously to U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, both members of the West Virginia National Guard. Wolfe and Beckstrom were injured and killed respectively in a shooting in Washington, D.C. in November 2025.
Why it matters
The Purple Heart is the United States' oldest active military award, originating as the Badge of Military Merit established by George Washington during the American Revolution. It is awarded to those wounded or killed while serving the nation, and its presentation highlights the sacrifices made by service members.
The details
The Purple Heart was originally established in 1782 but was forgotten for nearly 150 years before being revived in 1932. It is now awarded to any officer or enlisted person who is wounded or killed in action. Eligibility has expanded over the years to include those injured or killed in terrorist attacks and peacekeeping missions.
- The Purple Heart was established by George Washington in 1782.
- The award was revived in 1932 under General Douglas MacArthur.
- In April 1942, the Army changed its policy to allow the Purple Heart to be awarded posthumously.
- In December 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorized the Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard to award the Purple Heart.
- In February 2026, the Purple Heart was awarded to Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe and posthumously to U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom during the State of the Union address.
The players
George Washington
The first President of the United States, who established the Badge of Military Merit, the precursor to the Purple Heart, in 1782 during the American Revolution.
General Douglas MacArthur
The Army Chief of Staff who revived interest in the Purple Heart in 1930 and oversaw its renaming and reintroduction in 1932.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt
The 32nd President of the United States who authorized the Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard to award the Purple Heart in December 1942.
Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe
A member of the West Virginia National Guard who was awarded the Purple Heart in February 2026 for injuries sustained in a Washington, D.C. shooting in November 2025.
U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom
A member of the West Virginia National Guard who was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart in February 2026 for being killed in a Washington, D.C. shooting in November 2025.
What’s next
The Purple Heart awards ceremony for Wolfe and Beckstrom will take place at a later date to be determined.
The takeaway
The Purple Heart remains one of the most revered military decorations, honoring the sacrifices of service members who have been wounded or killed in action. Its history and evolving eligibility criteria reflect the changing nature of modern warfare and the ongoing commitment to recognize those who put their lives on the line for their country.
