IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz, currently on a visit to the United States, was honored on Tuesday with the Legion of Merit medal of honor.
The medal was awarded to Gantz by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey in the name of President Barack Obama.
A certificate that was attached the medal, signed by Dempsey and U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, said that it was bestowed on Gantz for his outstanding command and noteworthy service.
“Lt.-Gen. Gantz’s command ensures the IDF will be able to stand strong in the face of a wide range of threats,” Panetta wrote.
Chief of Staff Gantz thanked General Dempsey for the honor and said that he is receiving the medal on behalf of all the IDF soldiers and commanders, as a symbol of the brave relationship between the Israeli and the U.S. armies and in gratitude for their close cooperation.
The Legion of Merit is a military award granted for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding activities. The award is given both to U.S. military personnel as well as to international army and government officials.
Photos: IDF Spokesperson's Unit