Badge of Military Merit

The Badge of Military Merit was an award for non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the Continental Army. It is largely considered America's first military decoration, and the second oldest in the world (after the Cross of St. George). Non commissioned officers and soldiers of the Continental Army were eligible. Now known as the Purple Heart Medal, it was redesigned and re-commissioned in 1932 by General Douglas MacArthur in honor of George Washington’s bicentennial.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Badge_of_Military_Merit

Recipients

• William Brown of the 5th Connecticut Regiment of the Connecticut Line
• Elijah Churchill of the 2nd Regiment Light Dragoons
• Daniel Bissell of the 2nd Connecticut Regiment of the Connecticut Line