Military Figure. He was a French soldier of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, as well as a political figure later. In 1851, he was elevated to the rank of Marshal of France. Born to a merchant, Izidor and his wife, Francoise, at the age of sixteen he joined the 3rd Battalion of the Meuse. He saw consistent promotions over the next eight years. By 1799, he was a captain in the 16th dragoons and later an aide to Marshal Joachim Murat, followed by another promotion to chef d'escadrons. In October of 1805, at Wertigen he continued to distinguish himself, a promotion to colonel followed. After fighting at the Battle of Evlau, he was raised to general de brigade. Continuing to serve as Murat's aide, he was made a Baron of the Empire and Grand Dignitary of the Order of Two Sicilies. While in Spain with Murat, he was captured and sent to England as a prisoner of war. He managed to escape and returned to France. Murat appointed him as a major in the Chasseurs a Cheval of the Imperial guard. After the battle of Borodino, he became general of the division. During the retreat from Russia, he was wounded in the thigh. After recovery, he continued to serve in campaigns in Germany and that September he was made a Count of the Empire. He continued to defend France at Chalons-sur-Marne, Mery-sur-Seine, Reims and other grounds. To thank him for his years of service and sacrifice, the Bourbons awarded him by making him the inspector general of the cavalry and a Knight of Saint Louis. Jailed briefly for accusations of treason because of correspondence with Murat, he was found not guilty and released. In 1815, he traveled to Saint-Denis to garner support for Napoleon, seizing artillery during his visit. Napoleon ordered Exelmans to escort King Louis XVIII to Belgium. He led his cavalry corps in various battles at Fleurus, Ligny and the Battle of Waterloo. He also confronted the Prussian Army at Rocquencourt, winning the last battle of the Napoleonic Wars. When once again the government returned to the Bourbons, Exelmans was dismissed from command and once again charged with treason. He fled to Brussels finally settling in Duchy of Nassau. He was allowed to return to France in 1819. In 1831, he was made a Peer of France and was awarded the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor. Twenty years later Louis-Napoleon made him a Marshal of France and he joined the Senate. France recognized and honored his considerable military service by inscribing his name on the southern pillar of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.