The DEA Purple Heart Award

The DEA Purple Heart Award was established on January 5, 1996, to honor those individuals who have been seriously wounded or killed while performing duties in an official capacity. The prestigious award reflects DEA’s recognition of the inherent dangers thousands of men and women face every day while enforcing the drug laws of the United States. Recipients receive a heart-shaped medal with a DEA Special Agent badge embossed on a purple background hanging from a red, white, and blue ribbon.

Those who meet the following criteria are entitled to receive the DEA Purple Heart Award:

  • Individuals seriously injured or killed due to hostile or criminal action during official duties

  • Injuries must require medical treatment or cause death

  • Eligible recipients include active, retired, or deceased employees of the DEA and its predecessor agencies, including the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, or the Bureau of Drug Abuse Control
Michael Weston

Michael E. Weston

Special Agent
October 26, 2009

George F. White

George F. White

Special Agent/Pilot
March 25, 1973

Craig M. Wiles

Craig M. Wiles

Special Agent
July 27, 1996

James T. Williams

James T. Williams

Narcotic Agent, Bureau of Internal Revenue
October 16, 1924

Arthur C. Wilson

Arthur C. Wilson

Agent, Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs
July 21, 1971

Barry A. Wilson

Barry A. Wilson

Special Agent
Date unknown

Alan H. Winn

Alan H. Winn

Special Agent/Pilot
August 13, 1991

Charles A. Wood

Charles A. Wood

Federal Prohibition Agent, U.S. Department of Treasury
March 21, 1921

Adolphus P. Wright

Adolphus P. Wright

Special Agent
January 21, 1987

Ronald S. Wright

Ronald S. Wright

Special Agent
September 17, 1987

Purple Heart

Karim Zaman

Afghan Officer, National Interdiction Unit
Date unknown