- AFHF Member Authors, USAF Academy Department of History
Colonel William Harden: South Carolina’s Unheralded Partisan Commander
by Dik A. Daso
Colonel William Harden: South Carolina’s Unheralded Partisan Commander is a meticulously researched biography by Dik Daso that shines a long-overdue spotlight on one of the American Revolution’s forgotten heroes. Set against the turbulent backdrop of Revolutionary War-era South Carolina, this compelling narrative follows William Harden—a planter turned militia leader—through the swamps, savannahs, and pine forests where he led daring partisan operations against British and Loyalist forces.
Blending historical detail with vivid storytelling, the book explores Harden’s rise from humble beginnings to his key role in disrupting British control in the Southern theater. Though overshadowed by contemporaries like Francis Marion and Thomas Sumter, Harden’s strategic brilliance, grassroots leadership, and fearless raids—especially the capture of Fort Balfour—were pivotal to the Patriot cause.
Reissued for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, this updated edition highlights Harden’s legacy while offering fresh insights into the complex loyalties, harsh conditions, and brutal guerrilla tactics that defined the Southern campaign. Perfect for Revolutionary War enthusiasts, military history readers, and anyone interested in untold stories of American courage and resilience.
