Season 2, Witness of the Times, Episode 11 – The Soldier They Never Saw Coming: The Story of Deborah Sampson

In this powerful episode of Witness of the Times, we profile the remarkable true story of Deborah Sampson, a woman whose courage helped reshape American history. Born in 1760 and descended from Mayflower pilgrims, Sampson defied 18th-century gender roles by disguising herself as a man to serve in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. Enlisting under the name Robert Shurtleff, she endured the brutality of war—surviving combat injuries, field surgery on herself, and illness—all while maintaining her secret. Her service, valor, and eventual honorable discharge at West Point make her one of the few women recognized as a Revolutionary War veteran. Later aided by Paul Revere, she became the first American woman to earn a military pension. Sampson’s legacy endures in statues, parks, a warship, and a state heroine designation. Join us as we explore how one woman’s strength, intellect, and patriotism broke barriers and defined heroism—not just in battle, but in life.

 

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Credits:

• Executive Producers: Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker
• Music: Jorgen Hallberg
• Hosts: Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker

Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey through history with Witness of The Times. We can't wait to share more enthralling stories with you in upcoming episodes.