WW2 purple heart
The Purple Heart medal is given to members of the United States military who have been wounded or killed as a result of enemy action while on duty in the United States. A purple heart is a somber award that recognizes a veteran of the armed forces who has made the ultimate sacrifice.
In 1782, George Washington established the Purple Heart to honor soldiers who had been wounded or killed in action. Since its formation in 1782, over 1.8 million Purple Hearts have been given to service members. World War II is when the OP and their grandfather unearthed it.