An official website of the United States Government 
Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Photos

Snapshots of what’s happening in the Defense Department.

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta congratulates a soldier after awarding the Purple Heart to him during a visit with troops on Fort Bliss near El Paso, Texas, Jan. 12, 2012.

PURPLE HEART

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta congratulates a soldier after awarding the Purple Heart to him during a visit with troops on Fort Bliss near El Paso, Texas, Jan. 12, 2012.

Photo Gallery