Hero might be a little strong. He did what he considered to be his duty, turning out a volunteer several times over a three year period, providing his own horse and firearms. He never held command, he was a mounted soldier and a scout. He was awarded a 150 acre land grant for his service, in addition to a pension in his old age. Now, a genuine hero of his acquaintance in the southern campaign would be John Stokes, who gave far more in service to his country than did my fourth great grandfather; his treatment at the hands of Banastre Tarleton lends much credence to the nickname "Bloody Ban."