Event of Interest
Aug 2 George Washington creates Honorary Badge of Distinction

George Washington
- Aug 7 George Washington creates the Purple Heart medal (original name Badge of Military Merit) as commander of the Continental Army
- Aug 14 Suriname forbids selling slave mothers without their babies
Battle of Interest
Aug 27 Battle of the Combahee River near Beaufort, North Carolina, American abolitionist John Laurens is killed leading the charge

John Laurens