Baptiste Pierre Bisson

BaptistePierreFranois Bisson joined the French army and rose rapidly in rank during the French Revolutionary Wars. He served as a division commander in the Grande Arme of Emperor Napoleon in 1805 and 1807, playing a leading role at the Battle of Friedland. He was captured by Tyrolean rebels in 1809. Known as a gourmand, he became very fat before dying prematurely. His surname is one of the Names inscribed under the Arc de Triomphe.

Bisson was born onFebruary 1767 at Montpellier in the south of France in what later became the department of Hrault. OnMay 1793, while a chef de bataillon , he led 60 grenadiers and 50 dragoons in the heroic defense of a village. OnSeptember 1794, he was elevated in rank to chef de brigade of the 26th DemiBrigade. OnMay 1796, he transferred to command the 43rd Line Infantry DemiBrigade. He led the 43rd at the Battle of Marengo onJune 1800. During the engagement his demibrigade fought as part of JacquesAntoine de Chambarlhac de Laubespins division. Recognizing his intelligence and courage, Napoleon promoted Bisson to general of brigade onJuly 1800.

Source: Wikipedia