MARSHAL LOUIS N. DAVOUT AND THE ART OF COMMAND A ...

Clearly no one would have faulted Davout had he acted as Bernadotte and not committed his forces against the main Prussian force. Remember Davout8s instructions were to fall on the rear of the Prussian army and disrupt his communications. It was Davout's Coup d'Oeil and comprehension of Napoleon's operational objectives that allowed him to make such an important decision. It was also his ability to act upon his own faith that his decision to attack would succeed. Upon making this decision it was then his bold and audacious battlefield leadership that was to prevail. As always, Davout was at the forefront of the battle directing the tactical operations while maintaining an operational perspective. His decision to attack was the single most important factor in the overall French victory. Future battles see Davout's Coup d'oeil develop to a point that rivals if not outstrips the Master himself. It was evident at Auerstaedt as Davout recognized and defeated most of the Prussian Army by himself while Napoleon parried their rear guard at Jena. Even Napoleon could not believe Davout's success. When an officer of Davout's staff approached Napoleon that evening informing him that I11 Corps defeated 70,000 Prussians, Napoleon remarked that Davout must be seeing double.14 Davout received the title of "Duke of Auerstaedt* for his overwhelming victory. However, he did not receive the