Minister of Defense, Teodor Atanasiu, and the Chief of the General Staff, General Eugen Badalan participated today, August 1, in the ceremony organized at the 280th Infantry Battalion HQ from Focsani and the funerals of Lieutenant Colonel Stefan Balan and his wife.

During the ceremony, the commander of the 280th Infantry Battalion was post mortem awarded with Ordinul Virtutea Militara in grad de comandor ( Military Virtue Order in rank of Commander ) for military, with signs of war.

Lieutenant Dobrin Sorin was also awarded with Ordinul Virtutea Militara in rang de cavaler (Military Virtue Order in rank of Knight) for military, with signs of war and the NCO Manole Marinel was awarded with Medalia Barbatie si credinta , 2nd class for military, with signs of war.

The Decree of awards was signed by the President of Romania on June 28, 2006 at the Defense Minister's suggestion for high professional competency, courage, spirit of sacrifice, initiative and commitment in fulfilling the missions in the theaters of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

MoD Press Office