Trained as a tailor, at 23 years old she cut off her hair, put on a male costume she had designed herself and obeyed a mobilization proclamation.

Her comrades admired her courage very much and were loyal to her, but during one attack her high voice caused the others to realize that she was female.

However, she was not discharged from the army and was even allowed by King Frederick William III of Prussia to continue serving under her real name.

At the end of the war she married a Prussian corporal, Karl Köhler, on 5 March 1816 and left the army.

She was awarded the Iron Cross and the Commemorative War Medal by King Frederick William for her bravery.