William Prescott (1726 - 1795), American soldier in the Revolutionary War (1775 - 1783). He was the commander of a body of men that were ordered to fortify Bunker Hill. Prescott, however, decided to fortify Breed's Hill since it commanded the town more effectively. As soon as the British saw the Americans in position on the morning of June 17, 1775, they opened fire, especially training their muskets on Prescott himself. Several bullets pierced his clothing but he paid no attention to them. His extraordinary coolness under fire inspired his men, and he is remembered as the major hero of the battle. See also Bunker Hill in this glossary.—State of ManCongress Approved Gls (14.5.92)