Etienne Maurice Gerard, count, a French marshal, born at Damvillers, April 4, 1773, died in Paris, April 17, 1855. He enlisted in 1791 as a private, served under Dumouriez and Jourdan, and obtained a colonelcy in 1800. He distinguished himself at Austerlitz, Halle, Jena, and Wagram, receiving as reward for his services the rank of general of brigade and a barony. After service in Portugal and Spain, he joined the Russian expedition, and as general of division evinced unfaltering energy during the retreat from Moscow. He was severely wounded in the campaign of 1813, and in 1814 fought successfully against the invading troops.

During the campaign of 1815 be was placed under the command of Grouchy, who had orders to prevent the Prussians from joining the English army under Wellington. On the morning of June 18, hearing the report of cannon, he strongly urged a march toward Waterloo, but was overruled. On the fall of Napoleon, Gerard left France, and did not return till 1817. In 1822 he was elected deputy, took his seat among the opposition members, and was reelected in 1823 and 1827. He contributed to the success of the revolution of 1830, and after being minister of war for three months, reentered the chamber of deputies. Having been promoted to the rank of marshal, he was in 1831 intrusted with the command of the French army sent to protect Belgium against Holland. In 1832 he commanded at the siege of Antwerp, which he forced to capitulate, Dec. 23. In 1834 he again held for three months the office of minister of war. He was made count in 1813, peer in 1832, grand chancellor of the legion of honor in 1835, commander general of the national guards of the Seine in 1838, and senator in 1852.