He fought at the Battle of Verona on 18 October 1805 where his brigade of Gaspard Amédée Gardanne's division supported the initial attack of André Masséna's converged "voltiguers". Later his soldiers formed squares to drive off a counterattack by Austrian hussars. He also led his troops at the Battle of Caldiero on 29 to 31 October in the same year. He commanded one of Jean Reynier's brigades at the Battle of Maida on 4 July 1806. He personally led the 1st Light Infantry Regiment in an attack against the British. Hit by a bullet, he continued to urge his troops forward. Showing incredible bravery, he rode literally among the enemy infantry where he was finally captured. He was promoted to general of division on 1 March 1807. Napoleon awarded him the Commander's Cross of the Legion of Honor.