John Paulding was an American soldier and a notable figure during the American Revolutionary War. Born in 1758 in New York, he is best known for his role in the capture of British Major John André in 1780, which exposed the treason of American General Benedict Arnold. This event was crucial in the war, as it helped to thwart Arnold's plans to surrender West Point to the British. Paulding's actions earned him recognition and praise, and he continued to serve in the military after the war. He later became a farmer and lived in New York until his death in 1818. His legacy is often remembered in discussions about the American Revolution and the fight for independence.