François-Joseph-Paul, count de Grasse (1722-1788) joined the Knights of Malta when he was only twelve years old and served in the French Navy, rising through the ranks and pariticpating in the War of Austrian Succession. After a brief stint in the West Indies where he defeated a British fleet, he achieved rank of Admiral. He went on to participate in the siege of Yorktown. After a defeat by the British at the Battle of Saintes in 1782, he was captured. Although he eventually returned to Paris, his naval career never recovered.
