The decorations were presented on the president’s behalf at a ceremony at the presidential palace by Deputy National Security Bureau chief General Mirosław Bryś.
“With your work, service and commitment, you fulfilled the agreements, treaties and arrangements signed by politicians and officials,” Bryś told the soldiers. “It was you, through your service, sacrifice and commitment, who built the image of the Polish armed forces beyond the country’s borders.”
Twenty-one soldiers received the Iraq Star and nine the Mediterranean Star, the bureau said.
The Iraq Star, established in 2007, is a commemorative military decoration for participants in the Polish military contingent in Iraq. The Mediterranean Star, established in 2010, is awarded to members of the Polish contingent taking part in operations in the Mediterranean, Black and Aegean seas.
Up to 350 Polish troops are currently stationed in Iraq as part of the Global Coalition against Islamic State, mainly training Iraqi security forces. Under a presidential order, the Polish contingent in Iraq may also operate in Jordan, Qatar and Kuwait.
The Polish military contingent in the Mediterranean takes part in a European Union mission focused on combating human trafficking and smuggling by sea. The mission includes up to 80 troops and military personnel equipped with a reconnaissance aircraft.
(jh)
Source: PAP