Login

In 1753, Washington was commissioned as a major in the Virginia militia and served as an envoy along the Ohio Valley. Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 1754, he was ordered to capture Fort Duquesne – a fort at modern Pittsburgh. Washington and Indian allies attacked a group of French Canadians in the Battle of Jumonville Glen – considered the first battle of the French & Indian War. He was part of the disastrous Braddock Expedition in 1755 and the Forbes Expedition in 1758 that finally seized control of Fort Duquesne. Experience gained during this time would prove valuable in the larger war to come.

At the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, Washington was appointed Commander in Chief of the United Colonies and was dispatched to the ongoing Siege of Boston, driving the British from the city in March of 1776. After New York City fell to British forces in late 1776, prospects looked bleak. However, Washington’s famous Christmas crossing of the Delaware and victory at the Battle of Trenton reignited support from patriots across the colonies. Despite the losses that followed and questions about his competence, Washington’s army emerged as a more confident and disciplined force after a grueling winter at Valley Forge in 1777-1778. French entry into the war in 1778 bolstered American hopes, and a string of victories culminated in a bold move by Washington to lay siege to Yorktown in 1781, ending the war’s military operations and expelling Britain from the colonies.

Washington’s military skill and bravery is celebrated on a wide range of medals. Most notable is the Washington Before Boston medal, the first medal commissioned by the Continental Congress, first Congressional Gold Medal, and first medal commissioned in the Comitia Americana series celebrating Revolutionary War heroes. In 1782, Washington established the Badge of Military Merit; its successor, the Purple Heart, features his likeness.



Same as text above







Click on the items in the case image below for an enhanced view

We use cookies to provide users the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your cookie settings, we'll assume that you agree to receive all cookies on money.org. You may disable cookies at any time using your internet browser configuration. By continuing to use this website, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of use. To learn more about how we use cookies and to review our privacy policy, click here.