Being killed or injured “in the line of duty” does not necessarily qualify a person to receive the Purple Heart. Deaths or injuries from accidents or even murder may be determined to be “in the line of duty” (which establishes eligibility for certain benefits), but yet not qualify for award of a Purple Heart.

Rules for awarding a Purple Heart are very specific and strictly construed. Generally, a Purple Heart award requires (1) bodily injury requiring medical treatment at the time, which is (2) sustained as a direct or indirect result of, and while engaged in, action by an enemy or hostile foreign force.

The rules detail various types of qualifying enemy/hostile actions, including “international terrorist attack against the U.S.” This was the basis for awarding the PH to members killed or wounded on 9/11.

The deaths and injuries at Fort Hood are almost certainly “in the line of duty.” But whether those killed or injured may qualify for a Purple Heart will depend on additional facts about the nature of the attack.