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
Burton Lund Jr.

Burton Lund Jr.

Special Agent
February 12, 1971

James T. Lunn

James T. Lunn

Special Agent/Pilot
May 14, 1976

Frank L. Macolini

Frank L. Macolini

Special Agent
June 8, 1970

Purple Heart

Mohommed Nasir Malekzai

Captain, DEA SIU
Date unknown

Charles L. Martinez

Charles L. Martinez

Special Agent
February 10, 1982

Vincent J. Mazzilli

Vincent J. Mazzilli

Special Agent
July 10, 1979

Gerand P. McAleer

Gerand P. McAleer

Special Agent
May 8, 1973

Kenneth R. McCreary

Kenneth R. McCreary

Special Agent
January 28, 1986

Kelly D. McCullough

Kelly D. McCullough

Special Agent
February 10, 1982

Kenneth G. McCullough

Kenneth G. McCullough

Special Agent
April 19, 1995

Patrick J. McDarby

Patrick J. McDarby

Group Supervisor, Office of Special Projects
October 26, 2009

Billie S. Meadows

Billie S. Meadows

Special Agent
July 17, 1996