Prescott, William (1726-1795), was an American colonel during the American Revolution (1775-1783). He built the fortifications on Breed’s Hill and led the militia in the Battle of Bunker Hill. It was once believed that Prescott said to his troops, “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes.” But historians now question whether he gave this order.
Prescott was born in Groton, Massachusetts, on Feb. 20, 1726. He fought in King George’s War (1744-1748) and in the French and Indian War (1754-1763). Prescott died on Oct. 13 , 1795.
