Wound stripe

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A wound stripe was awarded to Allied soldiers during World War I who had been wounded in combat. It was typically worn on the left forearm of the uniform or jacket.

For US soldiers, the stripes were called Wound Chevrons and were just the same as service stripes, but were always gold and worn on the right arm. The wound chevron was replaced by the Purple Heart, and World War I veterans could apply for the new medal when they were first authorized.

For Canadian soldiers, the wound stripe was a dress distinction. It was a brass stripe worn vertically on the left arm. After the war, there was no special recognition for injured soldiers again until 1944.

In France, the wound bar or Insigne des Blessés Militaires, was awarded beginning in 1916.

Canadian soldiers have received wound stripes for service in Afghanistan. British soldiers, on the other hand, have not been awarded wound stripes for injuries sustained in Afghanistan or Iraq.

[edit] See also

• Verwundetenabzeichen or Wound badge
• (French) Insigne des blessés militaires