Deborah Sampson was born in Massachusetts in 1760 and grew up in poverty, working as a servant and teacher before enlisting in the Continental Army under the name “Robert Shurtliff.” At a time when women were banned from military service, her choice to disguise herself as a man was both bold and risky. She joined the Fourth Massachusetts Regiment and served for over a year, taking part in several skirmishes and enduring the harsh realities of war without revealing her true identity.
Her courage was put to the test when she suffered multiple injuries, including a musket ball wound to her thigh. Afraid of being discovered, she removed one bullet herself and concealed the other, which remained lodged in her leg for the rest of her life. This act of self-surgery showed not only her resilience but also her desperation to protect the secret that allowed her to serve. Eventually, her identity was uncovered when she fell seriously ill and was treated by a doctor who revealed the truth.
After the war, Deborah Sampson petitioned for and was granted a military pension, becoming one of the few women formally recognized for their service in the Revolutionary War. She later gave public lectures sharing her experiences, a rare step for women at the time, and was hailed as a symbol of bravery and defiance against social expectations. Her legacy continues to inspire, reminding us that true heroism often comes from those who break beyond the limits of what is expected.