Military Officer. Originally born Laurent Gouvion, he was the eldest child of Jean-Baptiste and Anne-Marie. He added "Saint-Cyr" to his name to honor his mother. Visiting Rome to study painting, by the age of eighteen he had returned to Paris. After joining the military, he rose rapidly through the ranks and by 1796 he was a division commander during the Rhine campaign. By 1798, he had assumed the command of the army of Italy and continue to see action in Germany and Spain. He was named grand officer of the Legion of Honor and when peace was established with Portugal, appointed as ambassador. Because of his refusal to congratulate Napoleon on the foundation of the empire, he was denied troops to assist him in Italy. He still continued to serve with distinction in campaigns in Prussia and Poland and Catalonia. Rather than comply with certain orders from Napoleon, he resigned his command. However, he was called back to command with the Russian campaign, winning a victory at Polotsk. He was wounded during the retreat, but continued to serve at Dresden and Leipzig. Napoleon finally appreciated his battle skill and awarded Saint-Cyr his baton. He was later created a Peer of France and a marquess. From 1817 until 1819 he served as Marine Minister. He instituted many reforms, creating a national army, protecting the rights of veterans, updated both military law and pension rules. He was considered self-effacing and stoic, seldom assigning glory to himself or his career.
Military Officer. Originally born Laurent Gouvion, he was the eldest child of Jean-Baptiste and Anne-Marie. He added "Saint-Cyr" to his name to honor his mother. Visiting Rome to study painting, by the age of eighteen he had returned to Paris. After joining the military, he rose rapidly through the ranks and by 1796 he was a division commander during the Rhine campaign. By 1798, he had assumed the command of the army of Italy and continue to see action in Germany and Spain. He was named grand officer of the Legion of Honor and when peace was established with Portugal, appointed as ambassador. Because of his refusal to congratulate Napoleon on the foundation of the empire, he was denied troops to assist him in Italy. He still continued to serve with distinction in campaigns in Prussia and Poland and Catalonia. Rather than comply with certain orders from Napoleon, he resigned his command. However, he was called back to command with the Russian campaign, winning a victory at Polotsk. He was wounded during the retreat, but continued to serve at Dresden and Leipzig. Napoleon finally appreciated his battle skill and awarded Saint-Cyr his baton. He was later created a Peer of France and a marquess. From 1817 until 1819 he served as Marine Minister. He instituted many reforms, creating a national army, protecting the rights of veterans, updated both military law and pension rules. He was considered self-effacing and stoic, seldom assigning glory to himself or his career.
Bio by: Winter Birds PA
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