Oliver Cromwell — The Patriot Whose Six Years of Service Earned the Badge of Merit 

Revolutionary War Soldier • Continental Army Veteran • Badge of Merit Recipient

Oliver Cromwell’s 1783 discharge certificate, issued in the name of George Washington, documents six years of faithful service in the Continental Army and records that Cromwell was honored with the Badge of Merit. Established by Washington in 1782, the award recognized extraordinary fidelity, essential service, and exceptional gallantry. Its legacy continued long after the Revolutionary War. In 1932, General Douglas MacArthur revived Washington’s original award, leading to the creation of the modern Purple Heart. The medal pictured here represents that enduring connection between the recognition of Revolutionary War service and one of America’s most familiar military honors.

Cromwell’s discharge certificate offers a tangible link to the beginning of that history. It documents the recognition he received during the nation’s founding era, while the Purple Heart illustrates how Washington’s vision of honoring military merit was carried forward nearly 150 years later. Together, these images connect Cromwell’s individual story to a lasting tradition of recognizing the service and sacrifice of American military personnel.

Overview:

Oliver Cromwell (ca. 1752–1853) was an African American soldier who served in the American Revolutionary War. He was born in New Jersey and is believed to have been born free. Cromwell enlisted in the Continental Army and served for over six years, which was longer than many soldiers at the time. He was part of the famous crossing of the Delaware River with George Washington in 1776. Cromwell fought in major battles including Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, Monmouth, and Yorktown. He lived to be 100 years old and later received a government pension for his service. His life shows that African Americans played an important role in the fight for independence. 

Quick Facts:

• Born ca. 1752 in New Jersey

• Believed to have been born free

• Enlisted in the Continental Army

• Served in the 2nd New Jersey Regiment under Colonel Israel Shreve

• Fought in the Battle of Trenton and Battle of Princeton

• Also served at Brandywine, Monmouth, and Yorktown

• He was part of the famous crossing of the Delaware with George Washington

• Served over six years and nine months, longer than many of the white patriots.

• Received a federal pension after the war

• After his military service he settled on a farm in New Jersey and reared a family of six children.

• Lived to be about 100 years old

• Died 1853

Why This Story Matters:

Oliver Cromwell matters because his story reveals that the American Revolution was shaped by people of many backgrounds. He served for many years and took part in key moments that helped shape the nation. Even though he was free, he still faced a society that limited opportunities for Black people. His long service shows dedication, courage, and commitment to a country that did not fully recognize his rights. Learning about Cromwell helps students see that African Americans were present at important events like the crossing of the Delaware. His story also reminds us that many Black contributions were overlooked, which affects how people understand who helped build the United States. 

Legacy:

Oliver Cromwell’s legacy is one of long service and quiet strength. He helped win independence while living in a country that did not fully treat him as an equal. His life shows that African Americans were not just present during the Revolution—they were active participants in major events. By living to old age and sharing his story, Cromwell helped keep this history alive. Today, his legacy challenges incomplete stories about the founding of the nation. It reminds us that the fight for freedom included people whose contributions were often ignored or forgotten.

He is not the main subject of a major film, but his story connects to scenes often shown in movies about the American Revolution. Films that show Washington crossing the Delaware usually do not highlight the presence of Black soldiers like Cromwell. His story helps us look at those scenes in a new way. Behind the scenes, historical records such as pension files and service records act as important “works” that tell his story. These documents help historians prove that African American soldiers were part of key moments in the war, even when films leave them out. 

Discussion Questions:

1. What might change in our understanding of the American Revolution if the experiences of Black soldiers like Oliver Cromwell were placed at the center of the story instead of the margins?

2. How does controlling which stories are told about the American Revolution influence who is seen as a “true American,” and who is not? 

3. What social and economic challenges might African American soldiers have faced after fighting in the war, even after helping the country gain independence? 

Reflection Prompt:

1. How can being left out of history affect a person’s access to opportunities, recognition, and respect in society over time? 

Sources & Further Reading:

1. “Oliver Cromwell.” Historical Negro Biographies. Encyclopedia entry. The International Library of Negro History and Life. 1969. Page 11.

2. “Nineteenth-Century Remembrances of Black Revolutionary Veterans: New Jersey Soldier Oliver Cromwell.” Journal of the American Revolution / All Things Liberty. John Rees. February 25, 2021. 

3. Oliver Cromwell. Honorable Discharge Papers. Document. June 5, 1783. Courtesy of New Jersey State Library. Signed by General George Washington. Associated with Oliver Cromwell’s Revolutionary War service in the New Jersey Battalion. 

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