A French figure is being lauded as a foreign fighter that contributed to the success of the Revolutionary War. Marquis de Lafayette has a family legacy of fighting against the Brits, writes Claire Barrett for the website History Net.  

At only 19 years old, Lafayette was wounded during the Battle of Brandywine in 1777. Although the injury was unfortunate, it boded well for Lafayette, who earned the trust of George Washington.  

George Washington had complained about the high number of questionable foreign volunteers. Over time, these men, including Lafayette, earned his and the nation’s respect.

Later that year, Lafayette was then voted to be on the command of the division for the battles of Gloucester, Barren Hill, and Monmouth. By the time he was 24 years old, he commanded an army in Virginia. It was in Yorktown that the entrapment of Lord Cornwallis led to the success of the Revolutionary War.  

The “Boy General” who was no longer a boy at the time of the success of the American Revolution, rallied support within France. He was a key figure in getting French support for American independence. 

Read more about the general on History Net.  

A documentary about Marquis de Lafayette.