Henry Lee III

During the Revolutionary War, Henry Lee, often known as "Light-Horse Harry," served as a cavalry officer in the Continental Army. He began as a captain and rose through the ranks to become a major in 1778. Lee's Legion, which largely participated in the Southern Theater of the War, was recognized for its ruthlessness, efficiency, and valor on the battlefield. Henry Lee's horsemanship earned him the nickname "Light-Horse Harry" during his service as commander of this legion. His extremely mobile light cavalry squadron served not only in big battles but also in surveillance and surprise attacks to disrupt enemy movement.

Lee was awarded a gold medal on September 22, 1779, for leading a successful midnight attack in the Battle of Paulus Hook, which resulted in the capture of 158 British soldiers. Lee was promoted to lieutenant colonel soon after. In 1781, Henry Lee commanded the American forces in the capture of various British outposts in South Carolina and Georgia, including Fort Watson, Fort Motte, Fort Granby, Fort Galphin, Fort Grierson, and Fort Cornwallis, alongside General Francis Marion and General Andrew Pickens. The Battle of Guilford Court House, the Siege of Ninety-Six, and the Battle of Eutaw Springs were all fought by Lee's Legion. Light-Horse Harry Lee went on to have a successful political career after the war. He was Governor of Virginia from 1791 to 1794 and a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1799 to 1801. During the American Civil War, Lee's son Robert E. Lee rose to prominence as the commander of the Confederate States Army.

Lifespan: 1756 – 1818

Nationality: American