Charles-Joseph Christiani

Baron Charles-Joseph Christiani (27 February 1772 – 6 April 1840) was a French Army Maréchal de camp who served during the Napoleonic Wars.

Career
Born in Strasbourg, Christiani was originally a private in the French Revolutionary Army and rose to high rank during the Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815). He was promoted to colonel on 5June and particularly distinguised himself at the 1809 Battle of Wagram and on the 14February 1810 Napoleon created him a baron. His conduct during the Russian Campaign of 1812 resulted in his name being inscribed under the west pillar of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. On 30August 1813 he was promoted to Brigadier general.

During the 1814 campaign in north-east France at the Battle of Bar-sur-Aube on 27February 1814, Christiani, at the head of a division of the Old Guard, attacked and drove back the Austrians and routed the troops of General Kleist. This feat of arms is quoted by Napoleon in his letters to the Empress. Christiani then defended Montmartre during the 1814 Battle of Paris against troops of the Sixth Coalition.

He died at Montargis in north-central France on 6April 1840.

Decorations
Legion of Honour
 * Légionnaire (25 prairial XII year)
 * Officier (7 May 1811)
 * Commandant (17 May 1813)
 * Grand officier de la Légion d'honneur (17 May 1813)

Legacy
The Rue Christiani in the 18th arrondissement of Paris is named after him.