SURGEONS’ NAPOLEON Ist « LEGIONNAIRES OF HONOR »
Seance of wednesday 18 february 2026 (Napoléon et les chirurgiens)
DOI number : 10.26299/ahgx-hb76/emem.2026.08.11
Abstract
Several renowned surgeons were awarded the Legion of Honor by Napoleon I when the order was created in 1804.
The first official presentation of the insignia took place on July 15, 1804, at the Church of Les Invalides, bringing together several figures from the world of surgery among those decorated : Dominique-Jean Larrey, Pierre François Percy. René-Nicolas Dufriche Desgenettes, a military doctor, was part of this prestigious first graduating promotion.
Subsequent promotions included Alexandre-Urbain Yvan (known as Yvan Baron), Joseph Bieuvelot, Raphaël Bienvenu Sabatier, Vareillaud, Louis-Henry Jeannin, and Blanvillain, who were honored throughout the First Empire
These decorations marked the recognition of the crucial contribution of surgeons to the success of Napoleon's campaigns and to military surgical innovation.
The first official presentation of the insignia took place on July 15, 1804, at the Church of Les Invalides, bringing together several figures from the world of surgery among those decorated : Dominique-Jean Larrey, Pierre François Percy. René-Nicolas Dufriche Desgenettes, a military doctor, was part of this prestigious first graduating promotion.
Subsequent promotions included Alexandre-Urbain Yvan (known as Yvan Baron), Joseph Bieuvelot, Raphaël Bienvenu Sabatier, Vareillaud, Louis-Henry Jeannin, and Blanvillain, who were honored throughout the First Empire
These decorations marked the recognition of the crucial contribution of surgeons to the success of Napoleon's campaigns and to military surgical innovation.