Army Secretary John McHugh has directed that all of the Purple Heart recipients at Fort Hood be eligible for the full scope of benefits under the medal.
Thirty-six soldiers and surviving family members from the 2009 terrorist attack received Purple Hearts after Congress passed the defense bill with language directing the Pentagon to award the medals.
“In addition to the Purple Heart medal, there are certain other benefits for which Soldiers receiving the Purple Heart are traditionally eligible,” McHugh wrote in a memo. “I intend to ensure that the Soldiers receiving the Purple Heart under the expanded criteria also receive all other related benefits for which they are eligible.”
“After making the determination that the victims of the Fort Hood attack are now eligible for the Purple Heart, it seems only right and fair that these Soldiers also receive the benefits it traditionally entails. That’s why I directed an expedited process to make certain that happens.”
Those benefits include hostile fire pay and “combat-related special compensation for retired soldiers whose disability is attributable to an injury for which they were awarded the Purple Heart,” according to the Fort Hood press office.
Additional benefits may be forthcoming, according to McHugh, who ordered a review to be on his desk in 30 days.
“Last week’s ceremony was an important step toward honoring the heroes of that day, and I am pleased the Army has moved swiftly to ensure the Fort Hood Purple Heart recipients will receive all the benefits for which they are eligible,” said Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), who introduced the Purple Heart legislation that was ultimately folded into the defense bill.
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