André Masséna

André Masséna, Prince of Essling, Duke of Rivoli (born Andrea Massena; 6 May 1758 – 4 April 1817), was a French military commander during the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars. He was one of the original 18 Marshals of the Empire created by Napoleon I. He was nicknamed l'Enfant chéri de la Victoire (the Dear Child of Victory). He is often considered as one of the greatest generals of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.

Although many of Napoleon's generals were trained at the finest French and European military academies, Masséna was among those who achieved greatness without the benefit of formal education. While those of noble rank acquired their education and promotions as a matter of privilege, Masséna rose from humble origins to such prominence that Napoleon referred to him as "the greatest name of my military empire".

In addition to his battlefield successes, Masséna's leadership aided the careers of many. A majority of the French marshals of the time served under his command at some point.

He was given the title Prince of Essling in 1809. Masséna however would go on to have a terrible performance during the Peninsular War in defeat, hampering the French war efforts in Iberia. After suffering crushing defeats at the battles of Sabugal and Fuentes de Oñoro, Napoleon sacked and replaced Masséna with Marshal Auguste de Marmont, and Masséna did not serve the French military again, instead becoming the local commander at Marseille, ending his military career in disgrace and obscurity.