A unique medal presentation took place on Monday 4th February when EUFOR Operation Commander, General Sir James Everard, and COMEUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer, presented each other's medals in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.
Receiving their medals at the parade were 157 soldiers from 10 different nations.
Addressing the soldiers, General Everard said:
"You are all a visible demonstration of the European Union's commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina, I am extremely grateful for all you hard work".
After the presentation of medals to the soldiers on parade, General Everard presented COMEUFOR's medal, then in return it was COMEUFOR's turn to pin the Operation Althea medal on the Op Commander's chest.
After the end of the ceremony, COMEUFOR said:
"I am proud and honoured to present the Op Commander his medal, it's the first time I've given a medal to a 4-star General".
Commenting on the medal parade, General Everard said:
"It has been a fantastic event, it is such a pleasure to present these medals to soldiers from such a wide variety of nations".
The Operation Althea medal is presented to soldiers who have served in the mission for at least 28 consecutive days.
