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Paris, France – In an acknowledgement of his commendable military service and efforts to uphold democratic values, U.S. Joint Chiefs Chairman, Gen. Mark Milley, has been bestowed France’s highest medal of honor by French President Emmanuel Macron. This awarding ceremony signifies the strong ties and mutual cooperation that underpin the relationship between the United States and France.
Gen. Milley, who has dedicated over 40 years of his life to the military service in defense of democracy, received the honor on his visit to France. The visit coincided with the 79th D-Day anniversary ceremonies held in Normandy, an occasion of great historical significance to both nations.
His tenure as the top U.S. military officer, a four-year term, is nearing completion and he anticipates retirement post-September 30, when his chairmanship concludes.
The prestigious Legion of Honor, established by French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, was conferred upon Gen. Milley by President Macron during an exclusive ceremony at the Élysée Palace. This honor is annually bestowed on roughly 2,000 French citizens and around 300 foreigners in recognition of their defense and promotion of French values.
Expressing his gratitude, Gen. Milley described the recognition as an “extraordinary honor from our longest-standing ally.” He reminisced about the history of the U.S. and France fighting shoulder to shoulder, from the Battle of Yorktown through both World Wars, and in recent years in Afghanistan.
The President’s office, while announcing the award, highlighted its intent to “celebrate the strength and quality of the military cooperation binding our two nations, and Gen. Milley’s significant role in nurturing this relationship.”
It’s worth noting that President Macron conferred the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor earlier this year on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, acknowledging his country’s stand against Russia’s invasion. A previous recipient of the award, Russian President Vladimir Putin, might see it revoked due to recent geopolitical circumstances, with President Macron asserting that the decision would be taken “at the right moment.”
