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
Rogelio E. Guevara

Rogelio E. Guevara

Special Agent
March 6, 1974

Purple Heart

Rahmatullah Gul

Afghan Officer, National Interdiction Unit
Date unknown

John B. Hamilton

John B. Hamilton

Group Supervisor, Office of Special Projects
June 6, 2011

Kevin C. Harrison

Kevin C. Harrison

Assistant Special Agent in Charge
August 1, 1990

Everett E. Hatcher

Everett E. Hatcher

Special Agent
February 28, 1989

Richard Heath Jr.

Richard Heath Jr.

Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs
April 1, 1973

Purple Heart

Edward A. Heath

Special Agent
October 19, 1970

Phillip Hengsteler

Phillip Hengsteler

Task Force Officer
Date unknown

Samuel S. Hicks

Samuel S. Hicks

Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation
November 19, 2008

Purple Heart

William R. Hocker

Group Supervisor
Date unknown

Joseph R. Hoing

Joseph R. Hoing

Task Force Officer
September 17, 1996

Haethorne L. Hope Jr.

Haethorne L. Hope Jr.

Special Agent
September 24, 1990