Is the purple heart equivalent to Victoria cross?

Answer 1

Absolutely not. The United States' Purple Heart is awarded for injuries sustained in a theatre of combat. It was originally awarded in a different form during the American Revolutionary War. What is seen now has been awarded since the 1930's. It bears the image of George Washington, the first president of the United States. Many servicepeople in the United States Armed Forces have earned one.

The Victoria Cross was institued by Queen Victoria in the 1850's. It was to award only the most heroic actions on the field of battle. In the United States, the Congressional Medal of Honor is the closest equivalent. However, the Victoria Cross is awarded on a much more selective basis. It has existed for a decade longer than the Congressional Medal of Honor and has been awarded less than half as frequently. The Victoria Cross is usually bestowed on the recipient or the recipient's relatives by the King or Queen of England. The Congressional Medal of Honor is almost exclusively bestowed on the recipient (or relatives as mentioned above, in the case of the recipient having actually died as a result of the honored actions) by the President of the United States. The Purple Heart is usually awarded by a commissioned military officer, rather than a head of state.