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

Without hesitation Davout pushed forward rolling up the ~ussiai left flank. After the arrival of Gudinrs Division, Davout's I11 Corps dominated the action. They were able to push Bennigsenls flank rearward until it began to fold back upon itself. Davout was able once again to arrive on the scene, take in the .overall scope of the battle and effect the proper commitment of his forces. Until about 4:00 P.M. it appeared that the French would have a resounding victory. However, General Lestocqfs Prussian corps appeared and struck Davout in the right flank. Grasping the crucial nature of the situation Davout rode forward and rallied his corps. , At this point Davout displayed great personal courage riding up and downin front of his troops under direct enemy fire to steady. .them. ~ e knew ' that such conduct was required to forestall a disastrous retreat. Despite their numerical superiority the Russian-Prussian force could not penetrate Davout's' line. Davout and I11 Corps had stood their ground at a critical time suffering casualties totaling over one third of their committed force.'' Although it did not bring a spectacular victory as at Auerstaedt or Austerlitz, Davout's participation was once again the key to the French success. It was his resolution to achieve victory coupled with his personal and moral courage that enabled I11 Corps to stand in the face of a superior enemy. It was this desire to win and