The Gold Cross of Honor is awarded to indivi... VIEW ORIGINAL
The Gold Cross of Honor is awarded to indiv... VIEW ORIGINAL
WIESBADEN, Germany -- Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, commander, U.S. Army Europe, was awarded the German Federal Armed Forces Golden Cross of Honor by German Lt. Gen. Joerg Vollmer, the chief of staff of the German Army, in a ceremony, Jan. 14.
The ceremony was held as part of the commanding general's annual New Year's reception, which brought together dozens senior military members from across U.S. Army Europe, its subordinate units, and allied and partner nation leaders.
"Your country has already decorated you at several occasions for your outstanding services," Vollmer said. "It is now my pleasure to do so for my country."
The presentation came as a surprise to Hodges, who had no knowledge of his selection for receiving one of Germany's highest military decorations.
The Gold Cross of Honor is awarded to individuals for exemplary and meritorious service by the Federal Republic of Germany to Soldiers of the German armed forces and of allied nations and civilians who rendered outstanding services to the German armed forces.
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About us: U.S. Army Europe is uniquely positioned in its 51 country area of responsibility to advance American strategic interests in Europe and Eurasia. The relationships we build during more than 1,000 theater security cooperation events in more than 40 countries each year lead directly to support for multinational contingency operations around the world, strengthen regional partnerships and enhance global security.
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