Laudon (or Loudon), Gideon Ernst, Baron von Laudon (1717–1790)

Estonian-born Austrian soldier who twice defeated the Prussian armies of Frederick the Great during the Seven Years' War. He later commanded Austrian forces during the War of the Bavarian Succession and the conflict against the Ottomans (1788–89), when he won several victories and captured Belgrade.

Laudon was born at Tootzen, Livonia (present-day Estonia/Latvia) into a family of Scottish origin. He first joined the Russian army but left to serve Austria. His successes earned him promotion to field-marshal.