Pierre Joseph François Samson de Champmartin facts for kids
Pierre Joseph François Samson de Champmartin was a brave French Navy officer. He fought in the American Revolutionary War, which helped America become independent.
Pierre was born into a naval family in Toulon, France. He joined the French Navy when he was young, becoming a Garde-Marine (a bit like a naval cadet) in 1751. He worked hard and became a Lieutenant in 1764. Later, in 1776, he was in charge of a warship called the Flore.
Fighting in the American Revolution
In 1778, Champmartin served as a second officer on a large 80-gun ship named the Tonnant. This ship was part of a group of warships led by Admiral D'Estaing.
He continued to rise through the ranks, becoming a Captain in 1780. The next year, in 1781, he was the first officer on the ship Marseillais. During the important Battle of the Chesapeake on September 5, 1781, he was injured.
Leading Ships in Battle
Champmartin showed great courage. In 1782, he commanded another large 80-gun ship, the Duc de Bourgogne. He led this ship during the Battle of the Saintes on April 12, 1782, where he was wounded again.
After a long career, Champmartin retired from the Navy in 1784.
