Order of the Legion of Honour (not only) for Gen Milan Maxim

Chief of the General Staff of the SVK Armed Forces Gen Milan Maxim received the highest French state decoration – L'ordre national de la Légion d'honneur (National Order of the Legion of Honour) –at the French Ambassador's residence. On behalf of the President of the French Republic, the French Ambassador to Slovakia, HE Mr Christophe Léonzi, handed over the Order to the Chief of the General Staff. “General Milan Maxim, Chief of the General Staff of the SVK Armed Forces, has contributed to developing joint activities between France and Slovakia. France appreciates his commitment to building cooperation, peace and security in the world,” he remarked. Speaking about the Légion d'honneur, Gen Maxim said: “I perceive the Order of the Legion of Honour not only as a personal recognition but, above all, as a recognition of the work achievements of all members of our Armed Forces.”

Gen Maxim has joined another 21 Slovakians who have so far been awarded the accolade, alongside such prominent figures of the Slovak nation as General Milan Rastislav Štefánik. At the same time, he is the 9th Slovak serviceman whose military merits have been recognised by the President of the French Republic. The National Order of the Legion of Honour was instituted in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte. It may be awarded to foreign nationals for their service in favour of France or for the ideals it upholds. Annually, the Légion d'honneur is awarded to approx. 400 foreign nationals.