Army
Siege of Yorktown Begins
On September 28, 1781, American forces launched the last major land battle of the Revolutionary War – the Siege of Yorktown.
American Victory at the Battle of Bennington
On August 16, 1777, American troops won the Battle of Bennington – though the battle didn’t actually take place in Vermont.
George Washington Creates Forerunner of Purple Heart
On August 7, 1782, George Washington ordered the creation of the Badge of Military Merit to be awarded for bravery in battle.
‘General of the Army’ Rank Created for Ulysses S. Grant
Ulysses S. Grant became a household name and was considered a hero following his leadership during the Civil War. In recognition of this, Congress created an entirely new rank for him on July 25, 1866 – the four-star General of the Army of the United States.
Birth of U.S. Army’s Medal of Honor
On July 12, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation creating a Medal of Honor to be awarded “to such noncommissioned officers and privates as shall most distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action, and other soldier-like qualities during the present insurrection .”
