Jean Parisot de la Valette was a French nobleman and military leader, best known for his role as the Grand Master of the Order of Saint John from 1557 to 1568. He is most famous for defending the island of Malta during the Great Siege of 1565, where he successfully led the Knights Hospitaller against the invading forces of the Ottoman Empire. Under de la Valette's leadership, the Knights displayed remarkable resilience and strategic skill, ultimately securing a decisive victory. His efforts not only preserved the island but also solidified the reputation of the Order of Saint John as a formidable military force in the Mediterranean.