General Israel Putnam's famous command, "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes," emphasized the importance of conserving ammunition and ensuring that soldiers had a clear target. This tactic was crucial during the Battle of Bunker Hill, where the colonial forces faced a well-trained British army. By waiting until the enemy was in close range, the colonists could maximize the effectiveness of their shots and improve their chances of inflicting damage, despite being outnumbered and less equipped. It also instilled discipline and focus in the troops during a critical moment in battle.
Israel Putnam, the Revolutionary War general and leader of the Battle of Bunker Hill famous for saying, "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes" because they were low on ammunition was the grandson of Thomas Putnam born in 1614 and a judge during the Salem witch trials. Thomas had a son Edward who was also a judge during the trials, and Arthur Miller's judge in The Crucible was a composite of the two Putnams.
Don't fire until you'll see the white of their eyes ! That order was allegedly given by general Israel Putnam.
The American Revolutionaries had minimal ammunition. Since most of the Revolutionaries were irregulars and the muskets were difficult to aim, conserving ammunition was critical (since misses were high). As a result, General Putnam wanted the Americans to wait until they could see the British easily before shooting so that they would have an easier target.
"Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes, then fire low".
"Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes."
The American Revolutionaries had minimal ammunition. Since most of the Revolutionaries were irregulars and the muskets were difficult to aim, conserving ammunition was critical (since misses were high). As a result, General Putnam wanted the Americans to wait until they could see the British easily before shooting so that they would have an easier target. As the British neared the American battle lines, the first line were cut down by musket fire from the Americans.
Israel Putnam was a prominent American military officer during the American Revolutionary War. Known for his leadership at the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775, he famously urged his troops to "don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes" to conserve ammunition. Before the war, Putnam was also a successful farmer and a veteran of the French and Indian War. His contributions to the American cause and his bold leadership made him a significant figure in early American military history.
Israel Putnam was an American military officer and a key figure in the Revolutionary War, known for his bravery and leadership. Born in 1718 in Massachusetts, he gained fame for his role in the Battle of Bunker Hill, where he commanded colonial forces against the British. Putnam also served in various military capacities throughout the war, contributing significantly to the colonial struggle for independence. After the war, he settled in Connecticut and became involved in local affairs until his death in 1790.
He may have never said it, but whoever said it, the words were spoken during the Battle of Bunker Hill, near Boston, Massachusetts. The Patriots did not have much ammunition, and the idea was to conserve ammunition until the British were close enough to make every shot count. Most sources have claimed that the words were spoken by General Israel Putnam, who was an old Indian fighter.
He wished to save ammunition.
The Americans leaders were: at Breed's Hill Col. William Prescott. At Bunker Hill Gen. Israel Putnam. The British leaders were: The general who ordered the assault: Thomas Gage. The general who carried out the assault: sir William Howe. The general who supported Howe after his assault was twice repulsed by reinforcing the British attacking forces by 400 fresh troops: sir Henry Clinton
Israel wasn't formed until 1948.