Deborah Sampson fight in battles for almost two years in the Revolutionary War, even if she had to pretend to be a man to do so.

Deborah Sampson cut her hair, dressed in men’s clothing, and in May of 1782 when she was 21, she registered under the name “Robert Shurtliff. She was placed in 4th Massachusetts Regiment in the Light Infantry Company. The group was made up of 50 to 60 elite men who were taller and stronger than the average soldier. When found out, she was honorably discharged for her excellent performance of duty and her exemplary conduct. She was the only woman to earn a full military pension for participation in the Revolutionary War.