USA FLAG HISTORY
History and Proper Display of the American Flag
On June 14, 1777, the Stars and Stripes banner was formally adopted by the Continental Congress as the national flag of the United States. This iconic American Flag made its debut in combat during the Revolutionary War on September 3, 1777.
General William Maxwell dispatched a support group to accompany his Delaware infantry and cavalry divisions, bearing the newly designated American flag into the battle at Cooch's Bridge. The standard bearer from the support group stood at the forefront and in the center of the formation.
When the charge command was issued, the standard bearer's forward motion made the flag unfurl and ripple back in the wind. Those on the left side of the standard bearer would catch sight of the flag's star field in the upper left corner, while those on the right side would view it in the upper right corner.
Despite occasional misunderstandings, it's important to note that the American flag is not reversed when observed on the right side of military vehicles, aircraft, and uniforms. While the perspective of the viewer may vary, the star field on the flag always faces forward, maintaining its fixed position.
The image above depicts the view of the flag's starfield as seen by soldiers on the right flank of the standard bearer.
In combat, the stars oriented to the front is referred to as the "Assaulting Forward" position, symbolizing all fifty states of our republic advancing together with full force to confront the enemy. The motto is "Always moving forward," emphasizing a commitment to never surrender or retreat.
AR 670-1: The U.S. flag embroidered insignia is worn so that the star field faces forward, or to the flag's own right. When worn in this manner, the flag is facing to the observer's right and gives the effect of the flag flying in the breeze as the wearer moves forward.
