Modern reproduction of the General George Washington Comitia Americana French made medal commemorating Washington and the siege, evacuation, and recapture of the city of Boston. On June 15, 1775, George Washington was appointed by the First Continental Congress as Commander in Chief of the newly assembled Army of the United States. Two days later, before he could assume command, the army was beaten at the Battle of Bunker Hill, and retreated from Boston. On July 3, Washington took command of the army, and put forth his plan of fortifying and strengthen the land holdings they army had on the land route out of Boston. By taking the highlands, and mounting captured artillery where they could reach the British fleet, but were protected by their altitude above the harbor, Washington held such an advantage that the British evacuated without any major skirmish by either side. Washington was present with a gold medal of this designer his conduct through the siege.