Highlights presents A Soldier in Disguise written by Peter McDonnell. During the American Revolution, Deborah Sampson decided to become a soldier even though women were not allowed to be soldiers at the time. She joined the Continental troops using the name of Bobby Shurtliff and became a fine soldier. It wasn't until she became ill that her secret was revealed. After she married and had children, Deborah put on her uniform again and toured the country telling audiences about her experiences as a female soldier.