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Why did the American officers at Bunker Hill tell their men not to fire 'until you see the whites in their eyes'?
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
William Prescott was a Colonel in Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He is the one that instructed his soldiers not to fire on the enemy until they were close enough to make eye contact.
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoThe phrase (which had been used at least three times in prior wars) meant that the troops should hold their fire until the enemy was so close as to make missing them much less likely. This was because the troops were small in number and had limited ammunition, so it was important to make their shots count.
Of course, allowing the enemy to get too close would risk being overrun. So it was not "point blank" range that the officers were recommending.
Wiki User
∙ 10y agonjjj
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What was the infamous quote by Israel Putnam?
"Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes, then fire low".
What battle did Colonel William Prescott say 'Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes'?
To conserve ammunition during the Battle of Bunker Hill (the American Revolution).More Information:The Americans (rebels) had been poorly supplied with ammunition. They needed to save as much ammunition as they could. What they did use needed to be as accurate as possible. The closer the British were when they fired, the higher the kill rate.
What was William Prescott's famous quote?
"Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes."
I defended Breed's Hill and told my men '' dont fire until you see the whites of their eyes''?
this was by the jman
Why was the battle of breeds hill seen as an important battle in the fight for America's independence?
The Battle of Breeds Hill was an important battle during the American Revolution because it was one of the first major battles. Due to limited amounts of rebel gun powder, troops were told to not shoot until they could see the whites of the enemys' eyes. They were also told to aim for commanding officers in the British army to help demoralize the enemy. Even though the British won the Battle of Breeds Hill, about 1 in 6 of their officers were killed. American troops were forced to retreat because the supply of gunpowder was used up. Even though the Americans lost this battle, it showed to the British and the rest of the world that Americans were willing to risk their lives to fight for their freedom.
What did the commander at Bunker Hill tell his troops to do?
Do not shoot until you see the whites of their eyes
What was the famous line said by the American Commander as the British attacked up the hill in the Battle of Bunker Hill?
"Don't one of you shoot until you see the whites of their eyes."
Which battle is associated with the quote Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes!?
Bunker hill
Where was Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes said?
Col. William Prescott at the Battle of Bunker Hill.
What two famous quotes are from the Battle of Bunker Hill?
One famous qoute from Bunker Hill was, "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes."
Which battle is associated with the quote don't fire until you see the the whites of their eyes?
Battle of Bunker Hill.
What did Colonel Prescott say to his men before the Battle of Bunker Hill?
"Dont shoot until you see the whites of their eyes"
What Famous words said at Bunker Hill?
Prescott's famous words were "don't fire until you see the whites of their [British] eyes"
Why did general israel putman say not to fire until you see whites of there eyes in the Battle of Bunker Hill?
He wished to save ammunition.
What battle was associated with the quote Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes?
This was the Battle of Breeds/Bunker Hill fought in Massachusetts on June 17, 1775.
What were the American soldiers inscructed hold fire until they saw?
"The whites of their eyes"...
What was colonel William Prescotts last - second order?
"Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes!" during the Battle of Bunker Hill.
