NY, USA
Arnold Wounded at the Breymann Redoubt
October 7, 1777
Benedict Arnold, despite having no command authority after his dispute with Gates, mounted his horse and rode into the battle on October 7. He led troops in an assault on the Breymann Redoubt, the fortified position anchoring the British right flank. During the final charge into the redoubt, Arnold's horse was shot and fell on his leg — the same left leg wounded at Quebec in 1775.
The injury was severe and nearly cost Arnold his leg. He spent months recovering. Many historians note the bitter irony: Arnold's heroism at Saratoga was his finest hour, and his wound might have made him a martyr had he died. Instead, resentment over lack of recognition and perceived slights eventually drove him to treason three years later.
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Commander of American forces at Saratoga whose cautious defensive strategy, combined with the aggressive field tactics of his subordinates, produced the most consequential American victory of the war.
Brilliant and reckless field commander whose charge at the Breymann Redoubt helped seal the American victory at Saratoga. Wounded in the leg during the assault, he later became the most infamous traitor in American history.