The Story of Molly Pitcher

Mary Hays McCauly — known to history as “Molly Pitcher” — shared the rigors of Valley Forge with her husband, William Hays. At the Battle of Monmouth on June 28, 1778, she carried water to exhausted soldiers under fire, tended the wounded, and carried a crippled soldier to safety.

When her husband fell wounded at his gun, the piece was about to be withdrawn for lack of a crew. Without hesitation, Molly took up the rammer staff and served the gun under heavy enemy fire — the second woman to man a gun on an American battlefield, after Margaret Corbin at Fort Washington in 1776.

General Washington issued her a warrant as a noncommissioned officer — “Sergeant Molly.” A flagstaff and cannon stand at her gravesite in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

The Order of Molly Pitcher

The United States Field Artillery Association presents the Order of Molly Pitcher to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions in the field.