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For his outstanding performance as the commander of EUFOR Althea and for the achievements of the one-year Hungarian command, Major General Dr. László Sticz was awarded the “Hadik Szablya” Commemorative Medal by Colonel General Gábor Böröndi, Chief of Defense Staff of Hungary. In addition, Sticz has earned recognition for his service not only at home but also internationally, honvedelem.hu reports.
General Böröndi recalled that Sticz’s service in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he served for a year in command of 24 nations as part of the European Union’s strategic mission, ended just a few days ago, on January 21.
Major General Sticz was the first Hungarian soldier to lead the peacekeeping operation EUFOR Althea.
The Chief of Defense Staff stressed that the Hungarian year in command was a great opportunity and responsibility, and a clear success story. “Major General Sticz and the Hungarian soldiers who served in the Balkan country as part of the increased role they took on with the command year have performed a commendable, almost unbelievable performance, proving their mettle in any situation. The Major General’s example clearly shows that the Hungarian Defense Forces not only participate in international military operations of high importance, but are also capable and ready to lead them,” said General Böröndi.
Major General Sticz (L) and Colonel General Böröndi. Photo: Honvedelem.hu
On the occasion of the end of the commanding year, the Major General also received the Operations EUFOR Althea medal, the European Union’s common security and defense policy award for participation in the operation.
For his outstanding professional conduct in the performance of his duties and for his outstanding contribution to the strengthening of Hungarian-Romanian cooperation, he was awarded the second degree of the Romanian Defense Partnership Medal, the Partner of Defense Medal. In addition, he received the No. 290 award of the Joint Honorary Decoration for his contribution to the enhancement of the Italian Defense Forces. He was also awarded the Gold Plaque of the Ministry of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina for his commitment to EUFOR and for his outstanding cooperation with the Ministry and the Armed Forces of the country.
Hungary offered to lead EUFOR Althea in January 2024 for the first time. During the Hungarian year of command, the Hungarian Defense Forces and its assets were heavily deployed in the EUFOR Althea mission, for instance to provide medical rescue capabilities, where they also used their high-tech Airbus helicopters.
Via honvedelem.hu, Featured image: Facebook/European Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina