1757-1834

He was a wealthy French nobleman whose beliefs in liberty led him to America's fight for Independence.

He agreed to serve without pay in the American army and was made a major general and served on George Washington's staff.

He persuaded the French government to send more aid to the Americans.

Along with General George Washington and the French general, Comte de Rochambeau , he forced Cornwallis to surrender at Yorktown.

He fought in both the American Revolution and the French Revolution.