Understanding the Initials on a World War 1 Veteran's Tombstone: The Mystery Behind PH

The initials on a World War 1 veteran's tombstone can tell a story that extends beyond their name and date of birth. For instance, if you see the initials PH, it stands for the Purple Heart, a prestigious military honor awarded for valiant service. This article will explore the meaning of PH on a veteran's tombstone, as well as other military insignias commonly found on such memorials. We will also discuss the rich history associated with these honorifics and the ongoing significance they hold in commemoration.

What Does PH Mean on a Tombstone?

The Purple Heart is a unique and notable honor in the military, awarded according to the veterans affairs website for those wounded in enemy action. The Purple Heart is an emblem that signifies not only bravery and sacrifice but also a personal connection to a soldier's battle experiences.

Understanding the Purple Heart

The Purple Heart is one of the U.S. military's oldest honors, originally founded by President George Washington in 1782. The medal was later reinstated in 1932 and continues to be awarded to service members who have been wounded in combat or who have died while on active duty.

Other Common Military Insignias and Their Meanings

In addition to the Purple Heart, various military ranks and service medals are often featured on veteran's tombstones. These can include:

Military Ranks: BBG: Brevet Brigadier General BGEN: Brigadier General BMG: Brevet Major General COL: Colonel CPL: Corporal CPT: Captain CSGT: Commissary Sergeant GEN: General LGEN: Lieutenant General LT: Lieutenant 1 LT: First Lieutenant LTC: Lieutenant Colonel MAJ: Major MGEN: Major General NCO: Noncommissioned Officer OSGT: Ordinance Sergeant PVT: Private PVT 1CL: Private First Class QM: Quartermaster QMSGT: Quartermaster Sergeant SGM: Sergeant Major SGT: Sergeant WO: Warrant Officer

Military Units and Branches:

ART: Artillery AC or USA: Army Corps / United States Army BRIG: Brigadier BTRY: Battery CAV: Cavalry CSA: Confederate States of America (later part of DAVG) CT: Colored Troops CO or COM: Company ENG or EM: Engineer FA: Field Artillery HA or HART: Heavy Artillery INF: Infantry LA or LART: Light Artillery MC: Medical Corps MAR or USMC: Marines / United States Marine Corps MIL: Militia NAVY or USN: Navy / United States Navy REG: Regiment SS: Sharpshooters or Silver Star (sometimes see DAVG) SC: Signal Corps TR: Troop USAF: United States Air Force VOL or USV: Volunteers / United States Volunteers VRC: Veteran Reserve

Military Service Medals and Awards:

AAM: Army Achievement Medal ACM: Army Commendation Medal AFAM: Air Force Achievement Medal AFC: Air Force Cross AM: Air Medal AMNM: Airmen's Medal ARCOM: Army Commendation Medal BM: Brevet Medal BS or BSM: Bronze Star or Bronze Star Medal CGAM: Coast Guard Achievement Medal CGCM: Coast Guard Commendation Medal CGM: Coast Guard Medal CR: Commendation Ribbon CSC: Conspicuous Service Cross (New York State) DDSM: Defense Distinguished Service Medal DFC: Distinguished Flying Cross DMSM: Defense Meritorious Service Medal DSC: Distinguished Service Cross DSM: Distinguished Service Medal DSSM: Defense Superior Service Medal GS: Gold Star (general appearance with another award) JSCM: Joint Service Commendation Medal LM or LOM: Legion of Merit MH or MOH: Medal of Honor MMDSM: Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal MMMM: Merchant Marine Mariner's Medal MMMSM: Merchant Marine Meritorious Service Medal MSM: Meritorious Service Medal NCM: Navy Commendation Medal NAM: Navy Achievement Medal NMCM: Navy-Marine Corps Medal NC: Navy Cross OLC: Oak Leaf Cluster (appears with another award) PH: Purple Heart POWM: Prisoner of War Medal SM: Soldier's Medal SS or SSM: Silver Star or Silver Star Medal

Symbolic Placement on Tombstones

These symbols are often placed on tombstones as emblems of religious belief or to commemorate the individual's service. For example, religious emblems might include crosses, Stars of David, or Islamic crescents. Religious symbols help to honor and remember the deceased's faith and beliefs in a meaningful way.

Conclusion

The initials on a World War 1 veteran's tombstone, such as PH, hold significant historical and emotional weight. By understanding the meanings behind these symbols, we can honor the sacrifices and service of our veterans. The Purple Heart, in particular, serves as a poignant reminder of the bravery and resilience that defines the American spirit.

Remember to visit this website for more information on the emblems of religious belief for veterans' tombstones, and to explore the vast array of honorifics that can be placed on these memorials.