Special NATO Award
Text: Chief Warrant Officer Krisztina Végh | Photo: Nikolett Nagyidai | 14:22 July 21, 2026A special operations soldier from the Hungarian Defence Forces was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, one of NATO’s highest honours. The award is granted by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to military personnel and civilian staff whose outstanding service has contributed significantly to the successful fulfilment of the Alliance’s missions.
The award was presented by General Alexus G. Grynkewich, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), at a central awards ceremony held for NATO military personnel and civilian staff who have demonstrated exceptional performance.
The Hungarian soldier earned this recognition for his outstanding professional work at NATO's Special Operations Forces Command (SOFCOM). The organization is responsible for enhancing cooperation among NATO special operations forces, coordinating operational capabilities, and supporting the special operations forces of partner nations.
With his outstanding leadership skills, strategic vision, and work as an instructor and mentor, this Hungarian soldier played a pivotal role in the development of NATO’s special operations cooperation for a long time. Through his service, he not only contributed to the achievements of his own organization but also helped strengthen professional ties among allied and partner countries.
The special operations soldier served as a technical advisor to the special operations forces of partner countries and contributed to the development of special operations capabilities in several countries, including Colombia, Ireland, Qatar, and Tunisia. He contributed to the planning and implementation of related programs and played a key role in developing and conducting international training courses designed to support the development and evaluation of special operations capabilities. Through his work, he helped ensure that the special operations forces of the participating countries could acquire capabilities that meet NATO requirements.
He has put his professional expertise to good use in several high-level NATO forums. Representing NATO SOFCOM, he regularly participated in international conferences and professional consultations where he contributed to cooperation among partner nations through his presentations and expert support. The command’s confidence in him is well illustrated by the fact that in 2024 he was entrusted with moderating the NATO SOF Commanders’ Conference, and in 2025, he took on a leading role in preparing and conducting bilateral consultations between the commander of NATO SOFCOM and the leaders of partner nations.
The official citation highlights that, during his service, the Hungarian soldier demonstrated outstanding professional competence, initiative, and dedication. Through his service, he made a significant contribution to the achievement of NATO’s strategic objectives and to deepening cooperation among allied and partner nations. The awarding of the Meritorious Service Medal is also a well-deserved tribute to the high level of professional competence and international recognition exemplified by the special operations soldiers of the Hungarian Defence Forces.
