Traumatic stress disorder won’t bring Purple Heart
Despite decision on medal, military says it takes disease seriously

By The Associated Press

Published: January 11, 2009

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon on Thursday sought to assure troops it takes post-traumatic stress seriously despite the recent decision not to award the Purple Heart to those with the disorder.

An advisory committee concluded that troops coming home from the wars with combat stress cases collectively known as post-traumatic stress disorder will not qualify for the prestigious medal awarded to service members wounded in action.

"I don’t think anybody should assume that that decision is in any way reflective on how seriously we take the problem of PTSD,” Defense Department press secretary Geoff Morrell said. He noted that the military is budgeting money for research, development, treatment and preventive measures.

"Just because an awards committee believes this particular injury does not qualify for this award does not in any way reflect that we don’t take this problem seriously and aren’t committed to doing everything we possibly can toward preventing it, toward treating it, toward taking care of those who are suffering with it,” he said at a news conference.