Marshal Jean Lannes

Jean Lannes, 1st Duke of Montebello, Prince of Siewierz (10 April 1769 – 31 May 1809), was a French military commander and a Marshal of the Empire who served during both the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars.

He was one of Napoleon's most daring and talented generals, and is regarded by many as one of history's greatest military commanders. Napoleon once commented on Lannes: "I found him a pygmy and left him a giant".

A personal friend of the emperor, he was allowed to address him with the familiar tu, as opposed to the formal vous.

On the eve of the day in 1809, Marshal Lannes took part in the famous Battle of Aspern-Essling. A cannonball struck Jean just when his legs were crossed. It smashed his knee, and injured his other leg. He had an operation, and both of his legs were amputated. Napoleon came up, and allegedly wept as he embraced Jean. Nine days after the battle, Lannes succumbed to his wounds.