3 SEPTEMBER 1776 – The American flag is flown in battle for the first time, during a Revolutionary War skirmish at Coochâs Bridge, Delaware. Patriot General William Maxwell ordered the stars and strips banner raised as a detachment of his infantry and cavalry met an advance guard of British and Hessian troops. The rebels were defeated and forced to retreat to General George Washingtonâs main force near Brandywine Creek in Pennsylvania. rochestermilitary.com