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
Craig Shows

Craig Shows

Task Force Officer
Date unknown

Clarence Shuler

Clarence Shuler

Special Agent
March 8, 1991

Purple Heart

Phillip R. Smith

Narcotic Agent
September 28, 1954

Donetta M. Spears

Donetta M. Spears

Diversion Investigator
April 19, 1995

Spencer Stafford

Spencer Stafford

Narcotic Inspector, U.S. Department of Treasury
February 7, 1935

Raymond J. Stastny

Raymond J. Stastny

Special Agent
January 20, 1987

Purple Heart

Wayne C. Steadman

Special Agent
February 26, 1976

Kevin K. Stephens

Kevin K. Stephens

Special Agent
July 14, 1989

Roy Stevenson

Roy Stevenson

Group Supervisor
June 9, 1975

Purple Heart

Henery P. Stewart

Special Agent
February 8, 1975

Charles Story

Charles Story

Special Agent
July 10, 1979

David Surh

David Surh

Special Agent
April 22, 1987