Kalb, Johann, << kalb or kahlp, YOH hahn >> (1721-1780), was a German-born military officer who served in the American army during the Revolutionary War in America (1775-1783). He became known for his bravery.
Kalb was born on June 29, 1721, in what is now Bavaria, in southern Germany. From 1743 to 1763, he fought in a German regiment in the French Army. In 1777, Kalb traveled to the American Colonies with a group of French soldier adventurers led by the Marquis de Lafayette. The group hoped to help the colonies defeat Britain, France’s most important enemy. The Continental Congress made Kalb a major general. But Kalb saw little fighting until 1780. That year, he briefly commanded the American army in the south until Major General Horatio Gates took over. Under Gates, the army suffered a terrible defeat at Camden, South Carolina. Kalb fought brilliantly and courageously, but he was wounded 11 times and died on August 19.
