FRANCE: Commander of the Legion of Honor

FRANCE: Commander of the Legion of Honor

In April 2000, General Clark met with French President Jacques Chirac, Chief of Defense Alain Richards, and General Jean-Pierre Kelche during his travels to NATO and Partnership for Peace countries.

He was awarded the Commandeur de la Légion d'honneur (Commander of the Legion of Honor), the most senior order of France. It had been almost 25 years since a Supreme Allied Commander Europe has been granted this award.

The French Minister of Defense stated in the award presentation:

General Clark was a remarkable ally for France and Europe. The importance of his contribution to European security and to the quality of the transatlantic relationship is recognized by all; his heritage will have positive effects in Europe for many years."

Minister Richard commented on General Clark’s most significant accomplishments during his tenure as Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

These included:

  • General Clark's role in the Dayton peace negotiations
  • His role in the development of ESDI (The European Security and Defense Identity)
  • Adapting to 21st Century strategic conditions
  • Creating and putting forth a global security vision for the Balkans
  • General Clark's key role in Operation Allied Force (defeating the military and security structure of President Milosevic of Yugoslavia in his attempt to exterminate the Albanian population in Kosovo).


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