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
William Ramos

William Ramos

Special Agent
December 31, 1986

Robert Rappa

Robert Rappa

Task Force Officer
January 29, 2025

Purple Heart

Mohammadullah Rariq

Afghan Officer, National Interdiction Unit
Date unknown

Jerry N. Rice

Jerry N. Rice

Special Agent
July 29, 1969

Purple Heart

Betty J. Robins

Diversion Secretary
April 19, 1995

Purple Heart

Mir Sadat

Second Lieutenant, DEA SIU
Date unknown

David K. Schickedanz

David K. Schickedanz

Special Agent
April 19, 1995

John "Toby" Schwartz

John "Toby" Schwartz

Special Agent
October 26, 2001

Jay W. Seale

Jay W. Seale

Special Agent
August 27, 1994

Paul S. Seema

Paul S. Seema

Special Agent
February 5, 1988

Ralph N. Shaw

Ralph N. Shaw

Special Agent
May 14, 1976

Wilson M. Shee

Wilson M. Shee

Narcotics Agent, U.S. Department of Treasury
December 12, 1957