What did the Marquis de Lafayette do at the Battle of Brandywine?

At the Battle of the Brandywine on September 11, 1777, the Marquis de Lafayette made his first appearance on an American battlefield, having joined George Washington’s staff only weeks earlier.12

During the engagement, Lafayette fought on the front line, where he was wounded in the leg by a British musket ball while attempting to rally a faltering detachment of Virginian troops. His efforts helped facilitate an orderly retreat for the remainder of Washington’s forces. Following his performance in the battle, Lafayette was rewarded with command of his own division.12