Franklin Mint – History of the US – Winter at Valley Forge – 1778 – 45mm – Proof Bronze Medal. Continental Army endures freezing winter at Valley Forge; Feb. 6 – First official recognition of the U.S. comes from France; June 17 – Congress rejects British peace offer; June 18 – British evacuate Philadelphia; June 28 – Battle of Monmouth, N.J.; July 3 – Massacre at Wyoming, Pa.; Dec. 29 – British take Savannah, Georgia.