Baron Von Steuben, as he was known in America, was literally born into
the military. He was born while his father was an engineer lieutenant
in
the Prussian army stationed in the Magdebourg fortress. He joined
the Prussian army himself at age 17 and served on the staff of Frederick
the Great during the Seven Years War. He was, for unknown reasons,
discharged
from the army in 1763, having only attained the rank of captain.
Von Steuben later served as the chamberlain at the court of Hohenzollern-Hechingen
where he attained the title "Baron". When his prince went
deeply into debt, Steuben was forced to seek other employment. He failed
at several
attempts to join foreign armies (France, Austria, Baden). Von Steuben
traveled to France where he hoped to meet Benjamin Franklin and offer
his services
to America.
He was introduced to Franklin as having been a lieutenant general in
the Prussian army (actually only a captain). He secured a letter of recommendation
from Benjamin Franklin to George Washington. He was assigned by Congress
to Washington's forces in winter quarters at Valley Forge in 1777. Joining
an army on the verge of dissolution, he set out to create an improved
command
structure, develop a training manual and establish a code of regulations.
Starting from scratch, he taught basic arms drill and formation movements.
Through the winter and spring of 1778, he transformed the American army
into a disciplined, effective fighting force. When Nathanial Greene was
sent to
command the Southern Department in 1780, Von Steuben was sent with him.
He, however, stayed in Virginia where he helped organize recruits and
supplies
for Greene's army. Von Steuben went on to serve as one of the American
divisional commanders during the Yorktown Campaign. He served in the
American army until
he was honorably discharged in 1784.