Jean Parisot de Valette

thumb|I intend to put on the uniform of a common soldier and throw myself, sword in hand, into the thick of the enemy-and perish there with my children and my brothers. Fra' Jean "Parisot" de (la) Valette (c. 4 February 1495 – 21 August 1568) was a French nobleman and 49th Grand Master of the Order of Malta, from 21 August 1557 to his death in 1568. As a Knight Hospitaller, joining the order in the Langue de Provence, he fought with distinction against the Turks at Rhodes. As Grand Master, Valette became the Order's hero and most illustrious leader, commanding the resistance against the Ottomans at the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, sometimes regarded as one of the greatest sieges of all time. Quotes And even if this siege, contrary to my expectation, should end in a victory for the enemy, I declare to you all, that I have resolved that no one in Constantinople shall ever see a Grand Master of our Holy Order led there in chains. If, indeed, the very worst should happen and all be lost, then I intend to put on the uniform of a common soldier and throw myself, sword in hand, into the thick of the enemy-and perish there with my children and my brothers. To his night council (15 August 1565). Ernle Bradford, The Great Siege (1962), p. 167 External links Category:1495 births Category:1568 deaths Category:Military leaders from France Category:Slaves