Louis-Alexandre Berthier (1753-1815) is recognized as the only man to have fought in two revolutionary wars, on two continents, within a span of less than ten years. He gained valuable experience while serving with Lafayette during the American Revolution. This training served him well during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.

Louis-Alexandre Berthier was born on November 20, 1753, in Versailles, France. He was one of four sons born to Jean-Baptiste Berthier, a court surveyor and military engineer. Berthier followed in his father's footsteps, learning the craft of mapmaking, which he applied during his time in America with the French army officers, Rochambeau and Lafayette.

Berthier began his military training in 1777, at the age of twenty-four. In 1780, he attained the rank of captain and requested assignment to Rochambeau's army, which was preparing to leave for America. Berthier missed sailing with Rochambeau's troops and proceeded to America by way of...