Final answer:
The three NCOs who received the Badge of Military Merit during the American Revolution were Sergeants Elijah Churchill, William Brown, and Daniel Bissell. Their acts of heroism earned them this special recognition, a precursor to the Medal of Honor and the modern Purple Heart.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Badge of Military Merit was a precursor to the Medal of Honor and was established by General George Washington during the American Revolution. This honor was awarded to a very limited number of non-commissioned officers (NCOs) for acts of heroism. However, the exact identities of the three soldiers who first received the Badge of Military Merit back in the 18th century are not explicitly mentioned in your provided references—which primarily discuss heroism and valor in relation to various medals in contexts other than the American Revolution.
In the records available, three known recipients during the American Revolution were Sergeants Elijah Churchill, William Brown, and Daniel Bissell. These men showed exceptional bravery and their actions were recognized with the Badge of Military Merit, which was shaped like a purple heart with a floral border and the word "merit" inscribed across the center.