Philippe Pétain was a French military leader and politician, best known for his role during World War I and as the head of the Vichy government in France during World War II. Born on April 24, 1856, he gained fame for his leadership at the Battle of Verdun in 1916, where he became a national hero. After France's defeat by Nazi Germany in 1940, Pétain became the Chief of State of the Vichy regime, which collaborated with the Nazis. His government implemented policies that included the persecution of Jews. After the war, he was tried for treason and sentenced to death, though his sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment.