Lesson 13:Joseph Warren An American Hero

At Bunker HillThree days later, on June17, 1775, the British armyattacked American forces in theBattle of Bunker Hill. JosephWarren attended a meeting todiscuss the battle. But he wasnot happy with planning from adistance. So, Warren walkedthrough dangerous battlefieldsto join the American forces.Colonel William Prescottwas the American commander.He was desperate for moresoldiers. Many soldiers had leftBunker Hill Monumentthe battlefield. Other soldiersrefused to fight. These men were afraid to cross an areathe British were bombarding. It was the same area Warrenhad just crossed on foot.Colonel Prescott thought it was too dangerous forWarren to stay. But Warren refused to leave. Prescott thenasked Warren to lead the American forces. Warren said nobecause he thought that Prescott was a more experiencedsoldier. Warren had come as a volunteer, not as an officer.17