In May 1931, John R. Sinnock of the Philadelphia Mint sculpted the Purple Heart. This Purple Heart was awarded posthumously to Francis J. Morse who was killed aboard the USS Arizona on 7 December 1941. The Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration in the world in present use. It is the first American award made available to the common soldier. General George Washington created it as a Badge of Military Merit. The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the armed forces of the U.S. who are wounded at the hands of the enemy. It is awarded posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action. It is specifically a combat decoration.