SGT Daniel Bissell: A Patriot and a Soldier during the Revolutionary War During the Revolutionary War noncommissioned officers (NCO) played a vital role in the discipline and training of soldiers, but some NCOs went above and beyond; Sgt Daniel Bissell was one of these NCOs. SGT Bissell's time as an NCO is very interesting. He was an NCO for the Continental Army later for the British Army, only to return as an NCO for the Continental Army. Sgt Bissell was also one of only three soldiers to be awarded the Badge of Military Merit, the precursor to the Purple Heart and the Medal of Honor. The Continental Army was formed when the Continental Congress recognized a need to coordinate all the militia into one fighting force. Daniel Bissell enlisted in the Continental Army in July of 1775, one month after it was created by Congress. To lead the newly formed Army, Congress appointed General George Washington as the Commander-in-Chief.

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