Lt. Gen. Steven Kwast awarded the French Legion of Honor medal
Lt. Gen. Steven Kwast, Air University commander, speaks with members of the French Air Force at Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base, Aug. 21, 2015. Col. Géraud Laborie, French Air Attaché to the United States, presented the French Legion of Honor medal to Kwast for his service as the deputy director for Politico-Military Affairs for Europe, NATO, and Russia, Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate, Joint Staff, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. The award is an order of distinction first established by Napoleon Bonaparte in May of 1802. It is the highest decoration bestowed in France and is divided into five categories: Knight, Officer, Commander, Grand Officer and Grand Cross. Kwast was declared a Chevalier (Knight) and vowed to earn the honor as long as he serves his country. The highest degree of the Order of the Legion of Honor is that of Grand Master, which is held by the sitting President of the Republic.