Israel Putnam was an American Revolutionary War hero who is best known for his role in the Battle of Bunker Hill. He was a major general in the Continental Army and was nicknamed 'Old Put' by George Washington. Putnam was born in Connecticut and served in the French and Indian War before joining the American Revolution. He was one of the first to respond to the call to arms at Lexington and Concord and was instrumental in the victory at Bunker Hill.