The servicemembers of the HDF 34th ‘Bercsényi László’ Special Operations Forces Battalion who displayed outstanding bravery in a firefight in the theatre of war in Afghanistan received medals and recognitions in the presence of their relations on November 29 in Szolnok.

The soldiers of the 8th rotation of the Special Operations Group (SOG) received medals and recognitions from Gen. Dr. Tibor Benkő, the Chief of the MoD Defence Staff on behalf of the Minister of Defence, and from Maj. Gen. László Domján on behalf of the Commander of the HDF Joint Forces Command (HDF JFC).

On the side of the American partner, Maj. Gen. Michael Repass, the Commander of the US Special Operations Command Europe, and Lt. Col Isaac Peltier, Commander of the 1st Special Forces Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) acknowledged the bravery of the Hungarian servicemembers.

As a recognition of the close co-operation between the two organisations, and the tasks executed jointly in the theatre of war, the Commander of the US 1st SF Battalion awarded a streamer to the HDF 34th ‘Bercsényi László’ Special Operations Forces Battalion.

The ceremony was highlighted by the presence of Péter Siklósi, the MoD Secretary of State for Defence Policy and Planning and Col. Robert W. Duggleby, the Defence Attaché of the US Embassy in Budapest.

After the event the American guests watched one of the phases of the Hungarian–American Joint Combined Exchange Training “JCET 2011” taking place in Szolnok.

(Ministry of Defence)