While Steve Rogers made history in Marvel Comics due to his many heroic deeds as Captain America, his efforts as a defender of justice go way before his days of donning his iconic costume and shield. In fact, there were instances in the past when Steve already proved himself as one possessing the heart of a true hero - he just so happened to not have the physical body at the time to embody those ideals in an era where soldiers have to actively defend the homeland from fascists, racists, and other villains.