Prince Harry thinks brave Brits wounded in action should be awarded Purple Heart-style medal to commend their sacrifice
Campaigning Royal who served in Afghanistan 'believes now is time' for medal similar to American award
MILITARY man Prince Harry thinks brave Brits wounded in action should be given a Purple Heart-style medal.
The Royal, 31, who has served in Afghanistan, says British service personnel injured in the line of duty should be commended for their sacrifice.
A military source told : "Prince Harry is a huge ambassador for the wounded and feels it is hard to understand why there is no recognition for the wounded.
"But Harry has been saying for some time that the wounded need to have their sacrifice and suffering recognised.
“To be wounded fighting is a big deal and it would be a huge honour to receive such a medal as a symbol of gratitude from Britain and Prince Harry knows that.
“In the past whenever the subject of a Purple Heart-style medal for British troops comes up military commanders have dismissed it as not British.
“But that sentiment now looks outdated and inappropriate.”
The Purple Heart has been awarded to US troops since the First World War.
Our closest equivalent is the Victoria Cross awarded for gallantry.
In 2009, the Elizabeth Cross was created to be given to families of fallen soldiers.
Campaigner Harry, who left the army after ten years' service in 2015, set up the Invictus Games for wounded ex-servicemen and women from around the world to compete in a range of sports.
At the opening ceremony of the most recent Games in Orlando in May, Harry spoke of the impact his time in the Army Air Corps had on his understanding of military sacrifice.
He said: "I saw the sacrifices you and your families made to serve your nations.
"I began to understand the real, permanent cost of war."
Military commanders have previously dismissed the Purple Heart as not British.
In Britain, the Elizabeth Cross was struck in 2009 to honour the next of kin of troops killed in action or as a result of terrorist attacks after World War Two.
Kensington Palace declined to comment on Harry’s plea.
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