Eighth Army awarded South Korean Presidential Unit Citation during Armed Forces Day ceremony

GYERYONGDAE, South Korea - Eighth Army was awarded the South Korean Presidential Unit Citation on Thursday, Oct. 1 during the 78th Armed Forces Day ceremony at Gyeryongdae in South Chungcheong province.

The award, the highest unit decoration conferred by the South Korean government, recognizes Eighth Army's sustained commitment to defend the Republic of Korea, vital contributions to combined readiness and unwavering dedication to the U.S.-ROK alliance.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung personally presented the award and affixed the ceremonial citation streamer to the Eighth Army colors alongside Lt. Gen. Joseph Hilbert, commanding general of Eighth Army, who accepted the honor on behalf of the command.

The official citation presented by Lee reads: "This citation is hereby presented in recognition of the commander and all personnel who, through the faithful execution of their duties, have made significant contributions to the preservation of national security."

The ceremony took place before thousands of service members, government officials, distinguished guests and families at the Gyeryongdae runway. Eighth Army was the sole U.S. military formation recognized with a unit citation during the commemoration.

The recognition reflects Eighth Army's continued focus on enhancing readiness, modernizing the U.S.-ROK alliance, shaping the theater and investing in its Soldiers, civilians, families, Korean partners and employees. Through its "Posture, Modernize, Compete" warfighting concept, Eighth Army remains ready to support the combined force, deter aggression and preserve peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and across Northeast Asia.

For more information, contact the Eighth Army Public Affairs office at [email protected].