| Pascal-Olivier de Negroni | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 4, 1829 Castello di San Colombano, Corsica |
| Died | October 22, 1913 Alençon, France |
| Service/branch | French Army |
| Years of service | 1847-1891 |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 2ème Brigade de Cuirassiers (1884) |
| Battles/wars | Franco Prussian War of 1870 *Battle of Reichshoffen *Battle of Sedan |
| Awards | Officer of the Legion of Honor Commander of the Legion of Honor |
General Pascal-Olivier de Negroni (April 4, 1829 - October 22, 1913) led the charge of Cuirassiers in the Battle of Reichshoffen during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870.
Negroni was born in the Castle of San Colombano, also known as the Castello di San Colombano in Rogliano a commune in the Haute-Corse department of France on the island of Corsica. He joined the French Army when 18 years old. On August 6, 1870, he led the legendary charge of cuirassiers (mounted cavalry soldiers) in the second Battle of Reichshoffen (also known as "The Battle of Wörth") during the opening stages of the Franco Prussian War of 1870. Negroni was decorated on August 20, 1870 with Officer of the Legion of Honor.[1]
On September 3, 1870 he was captured by the Prussians during the Battle of Sedan and spent time as a prisoner of war until his liberation March 28, 1871.
On December 27, 1884 he was promoted to Brigadier General of the Second Brigade of Cuirassiers [2] and on May 4, 1889 he was named Commander of the Legion of Honor.[1]
He served in the military until 1891, retiring after 44 years of military service.[3] Pascal-Olivier de Negroni died on October 22, 1913, in Alençon a commune in Normandy, France, capital of the Orne department.
In addition to his military accomplishments, Pascal Olivier is the reputed inventor of the famous “Negroni Cocktail” (equal parts of Campari, Gin, and Sweet Vermouth, served in a short glass over ice and garnished with an orange slice).[4]
Negroni was awarded the Officier of the French Légion d'honneur[2]