Michel Ney

Ney, Michel (1769–1815), French Napoleonic marshal and military hero. His rear-guard defense during Napoleon's retreat from Moscow (1812) was the most notable achievement of a brilliant career. After helping persuade Napoleon to abdicate in 1814, Ney was made a noble by the Bourbon Louis XVIII. When Napoleon returned from exile, however, Ney supported him, fighting at the battle of Waterloo. When Napoleon was defeated, Ney was condemned for treason by the house of peers and was executed.

See also: Napoleon I.