DAF Form 2221A Purple Heart (Two Signature Lines) Download

DAF Form 2221A Purple Heart (Two Signature Lines) Download – The Purple Heart is one of the oldest and most respected U.S. military decorations, awarded to members of the Armed Forces who are wounded or killed in action against an enemy. For Department of the Air Force (DAF) personnel—including the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force—DAF Form 2221A serves as the official certificate for the Purple Heart with two signature lines. This version supports the approval and presentation process for this prestigious award.

What Is DAF Form 2221A?

DAF Form 2221A is the standardized certificate used specifically for the Purple Heart Medal. It is listed in DAFMAN 36-2806, Military Awards: Criteria and Procedures (27 October 2022, incorporating Change 3, 13 August 2025) alongside other high-level award certificates, such as the Distinguished Service Medal. The “two signature lines” design allows for appropriate approval authorities (e.g., commander or higher-level reviewer) to sign, distinguishing it from single-signature or Chief of Staff-specific versions like older AF Form 2221 variants.

This form is part of the official award elements, which typically include the certificate, citation, orders, and medal set. It is prepared once the DAF Purple Heart Review Board (or appropriate authority) approves the award. The certificate formally recognizes the recipient’s sacrifice and is presented along with the medal.

Official Downloads (from Air Force e-Publishing):

These links provide direct access to the form files hosted on the official e-Publishing.af.mil site. Always verify the latest version on www.e-publishing.af.mil before use, as forms and manuals are periodically updated.

Purple Heart Eligibility Criteria (Air Force & Space Force)

The Purple Heart is awarded to any member of the U.S. Armed Forces (including Air Force and Space Force) who, while serving under competent authority after April 5, 1917, is wounded, killed, or dies from wounds received under specific circumstances. Key qualifying scenarios include:

  • Action against an enemy of the United States.
  • Action with an opposing armed force of a foreign country.
  • As a result of an act of any enemy, opposing armed force, or hostile foreign force.
  • International terrorist attacks (after March 28, 1973).
  • Military operations as part of a peacekeeping force outside U.S. territory (after March 28, 1973).
  • Friendly fire while directly engaged in armed conflict (on or after December 7, 1941), unless due to willful misconduct.
  • As a former POW (before April 25, 1962) or death in captivity as a POW (on or after December 7, 1941).
  • Attacks by foreign terrorist organizations on or after September 11, 2001, when targeted due to military status.

Important requirements:

  • The wound must require treatment (not just examination) by a medical officer (or equivalent documentation). This includes injuries from bullets, shrapnel, fractures, burns, blast concussions, gases, or radioactive substances caused by enemy action.
  • Mild traumatic brain injury (TBI)/concussion may qualify if it results in specific functional impairment and documented duty restrictions or treatment.
  • The Purple Heart has no time limitation for submission, unlike most other awards.
  • Honorable service is required; awards are not made for injuries from accidents, self-inflicted wounds (with exceptions), diseases not caused by enemy agents, frostbite, or willful misconduct.

Eligibility is determined based on verifiable facts, primarily through medical records and eyewitness accounts. The DAF Purple Heart Review Board (administered by AFPC) reviews cases for consistency with criteria in effect at the time of the injury.

How to Request or Process a Purple Heart Award?

For currently serving Air Force/Space Force members:

  • Submit through your servicing Military Personnel Flight (MPF). They can assist with the recommendation package, which may involve DECOR6 or memorandum formats along with supporting evidence.

For veterans, retirees, or primary next of kin (PNOK):

  • Send a written request with a detailed narrative of the incident, two or more eyewitness statements (signed and notarized, in the witness’s own words), official medical documentation, and other supporting records (e.g., DD Form 214).
  • Mail to:
    Headquarters Air Force Personnel Center
    ATTN: AFPC/DPSTTC
    550 C Street
    Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, TX 78150

Contact: (800) 525-0102 or [email protected] for questions.

The Review Board evaluates the package and recommends approval or disapproval. Once approved, the certificate (DAF Form 2221A) and medal elements are prepared and forwarded for presentation. Posthumous awards are engraved and presented to the designated representative.

Note: Casualty-reported members may be automatically considered. For complex or historical cases, additional review (including historical agency input) may occur.

Why the Two Signature Lines Matter on DAF Form 2221A?

The two-signature format streamlines the approval workflow for Purple Heart certificates, accommodating the chain of command and higher review levels (e.g., board or delegated authorities). This design ensures proper authentication while aligning with DAF awards processing policies in DAFMAN 36-2806 and DAFI 36-2803. It reflects updates to make the awards program more efficient.

Additional Resources

The Purple Heart symbolizes courage, sacrifice, and service. If you or a loved one qualifies, submitting a well-documented request honors that legacy and ensures official recognition in military records.

Important Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available official DAF publications as of 2025–2026. Policies can change. Always consult the latest versions on e-publishing.af.mil or contact AFPC directly for personalized guidance. Do not use unofficial forms or sources for official submissions.

For the most current information, visit the official Air Force e-Publishing site and AFPC resources. Veterans seeking replacement medals or certificates should follow standard National Personnel Records Center or AFPC procedures.