If you look at the history of the American Revolution, Nathanael Greene keeps popping up all over the place. And unfortunately—for the British, that is—he planned cleverly, moved fast, and fought hard.

Greene was born into a Quaker family in Rhode Island. Quakers don't believe in wars and fighting, but Greene led a state regiment even before the Declaration of Independence was signed. He fought in many important battles, and people noticed his bravery, intelligence, and ability to gather and oversee supplies—an important talent needed to keep an army fed and supplied. It was that latter ability that led to his appointment as Quartermaster General in 1778. Greene didn't want the job; he wanted to be a combat officer, fighting out in the field. But he was an outstanding quartermaster; he found food and supplies to keep the men from starving at Valley Forge and reorganized the supply system for the entire army. That alone would have made him an important leader in the war. But there's more.

After several American losses in the south, Washington appointed Greene commander of the southern armies in 1780. That was bad news for the British, who thought they owned the south, after having captured Savannah and Charleston. Greene faced a smart general with a well-equipped, larger army—Cornwallis. He united his forces with Patriot guerrillas, harassed Cornwallis nearly to death, and pushed the British back into Savannah and Charleston. Then he helped push Cornwallis north to a showdown in Yorktown, Virginia. Cornwallis complained, "Greene is as dangerous as Washington. I never feel secure when encamped in his neighborhood. He is vigilant, enterprising, and full of resources."

The state of Georgia was so grateful for Greene's war service that it gave him a plantation near Savannah. Many people believe he was second only to George Washington in helping win the war. Thomas Jefferson said Greene was "Second to no one in enterprise, in resource, in sound judgment, promptitude of decision, and every other military talent."