The Minister of National Defence, Gabriel Oprea, awarded Corporal Bida Ionel Eugen Emblema de Onoare [Honorary Emblem] of the Romanian Armed Forces on Wednesday, May 5, as a token of recognition for the courage and professional conduct the soldier displayed during his mission in Afghanistan.

At present, the soldier is hospitalized at the Military Hospital "Dr. Carol Davila" where he is recuperating after a leg injury suffered while on a patrol mission in Afghanistan. His general health condition is good.

During his visit at the hospital, the defence minister was accompanied by Major General Gabriel Gabor, chief of the Personnel and Mobilisation Directorate.

Minister Oprea talked with the injured soldier and the doctors treating him to make sure he is given the best care and has good recuperation conditions.

The defence minister wished Corporal Bida speedy recovery: "I wish that you are fully aware of the pride we take in you. My presence here is due to the respect I feel for you and everything you have done for the country. You can always count on my support and that of ministry leadership"

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Corporal Bida Ionel Eugen, was a member of the 1st OMLT of Battalion type deployed in Zabul Province in Afghanistan. He was injured in the morning of Wednesday, April 7, when the mixed Romanian-Afghan team he was in was attacked with Infantry fire by insurgents, while on a patrol mission 40 km north-west of Qalat, Zabul Province. The soldier`s right leg was injured during the incident. A helicopter evacuated him immediately to the field hospital in Lagman Base. There he underwent surgery and was later transferred to the hospital in the US Base in Landstuhl, Ramstein, Germany.

MoND Press Office