This project investigates the long-term effects of participation in Napoleon’s military campaigns on the heroism of soldiers during World War I. I hypothesize that districts with higher participation in Napoleon’s army saw elevated heroism recognition in WWI, reflecting a lasting legacy of military culture, nationalism, and social capital built during Napoleon’s era. To explore how military service in Napoleon’s wars shaped the bravery and performance of soldiers in the next generation, I draw on a novel dataset of two million Napoleonic army soldiers and information on French soldiers who distinguished themselves in WWI. The findings highlight the enduring legacies of military service and their impact on future generations' heroism and social cohesion.