Francois Kellerman
French Marshal
Duc de Valmy
1735-1820
By the time he was given a marshalcy in 1804, Francois Kellerman had seen more than 50 years service with the French army.
He had fought inn the Seven Years War at Bergen and Friedberg and spent much time helping the Poles reform their cavalry units.
Kellerman became a general in 1792 and won the battle of Valmy.
His long association with the army made him a target of suspicion during the dark days of the Terror and he was detained in 1793. It took him two years to return to command.
Retiring from field command in 1797, Kellerman continued to serve his country by improving the calibre of reserve units and the National Guard.