Receiving the medal, Gen. Bartels thanked Mr. Panos Panagiotopoulos, the Greek Minister of Defence, for the award: “I am truly humbled that you and your nation chose to recognize my service by awarding the Commendation Medal Star of Merit and Honour, and I proudly accept this award.”
During the visit, Gen. Bartels met with Gen. Mikhail Kostarakos, Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, to discuss issues of common interest, as well as defence matters.
The star of merit and honour it is awarded by the Minister of Defence of the Hellenic Republic, to the Chiefs of General Staffs and to civilians for their distinguished services to the Hellenic Armed Forces and the Country. It is also awarded to foreign officers and civilians for their outstanding activities, services and actions for the benefit of the Hellenic Armed Forces and the Greek Nation.