Chris Carter, Author at UNTO THE BREACH

December 21 in U.S. military history

1861: President Abraham Lincoln signs a bill creating a “Medal of Honor” for enlisted sailors and Marines who “distinguish themselves

1803: A mere three weeks after accepting the territory from the Spanish, the French officially hand over New Orleans, the

1777: 18 miles northwest of Philadelphia, Gen. George Washington’s Continental Army establishes its winter camp at Valley Forge. 2,500 of

1902: Pres. Theodore Roosevelt orders Adm. George Dewey to take the U.S. North and South Atlantic Squadrons and sail to

1799: Former president and commander-in-chief of the Continental Army George Washington passes away at his home in Mount Vernon (Va.)