Photo By Staff Sgt. Luke Wilson | U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Todd Wasmund, commanding general of the U.S. Army Southern...... read more read more
Subscribe
MARSEILLES, France — The United States and France share a long history, having been close allies for over two centuries. That history continues in an awards ceremony held at the Armée de Terre (Land Force), French army 3rd Division headquarters on March 22, 2024. U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Todd Wasmund, currently serving as the commanding general for the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) based in Vicenza, Italy, was honored with the prestigious French Legion of Honor. The award was presented by French army Général de division (Maj. Gen.) Rémy Cadapeaud, commander of the 3rd Division, in recognition of Maj. Gen. Wasmund's service and contributions to the alliance between the U.S. and France.
Wasmund received the Legion of Honor in appreciation for his service and leadership as the first U.S. Army general officer to serve as a deputy commander of a French division, then as a brigadier general, from January 2020 to June 2022. After being promoted to major general in Aug. of 2022, his leadership continued at his current assignment with the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa as the commanding general.
"The Legion of Honor is the first national order to honor French citizens. It is the highest distinction. It rewards the eminent merits acquired in the title of the Nation either in a civil capacity or in arms," said Général de division Rémy Cadapeaud during the ceremony. To Wasmund he said, "In the name of the President of the Republic and by virtue of the powers conferred on us, we make you Knight of the Legion of Honor."
Upon receiving the Legion of Honor, Wasmund expressed his gratitude and emphasized the importance of the enduring partnership between the U.S. and France. "It is a profound honor to receive the French Legion of Honor, and I am humbled to be recognized in this manner," he said. "This award is a testament to the strength of our friendship and the shared values that bind our nations together. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served alongside my French counterparts and look forward to continuing our partnership for years to come."
During his time at the 3rd Division, Wasmund spearheaded several initiatives aimed at enhancing interoperability and cooperation between the U.S. and French military forces. The 3rd Division, based in Marseille, inherits the proud traditions of the 3rd Algerian Infantry Division (3rd DIA), which played a pivotal role in the liberation of Marseille during WWII in August 1944 under the command of General de Monsabert.
As part of the award ceremony, also Wasmund presented one U.S. Army Meritorious Service medal, two U.S. Army Commendation medals and one U.S. Army Achievement medal to French army soldiers from the 3rd Div. Wasmund said, “Today it is my honor to present these awards to these very deserving individuals who made it possible for the success and achievements during my time at 3rd Division. They went above and beyond their normal duties to ensure the success of the exchange.”
Reflecting on his experience, Wasmund expressed gratitude towards France and his colleagues at the 3rd Division, stating, "My time serving alongside the brave men and women of the 3rd Division in France was a profound honor. The bonds forged and the memories shared will forever hold a special place in my heart. To my friends and partners at the 3rd Division, merci beaucoup. Your dedication and friendship will always be cherished."
Wasmund joins the short list of other U.S. Army general officer Legion of Honor awardees, which include 5-star Gen. and 34th President of the United States Dwight D. Eisenhower, 5-star Gen. Douglas McArthur, 1st Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers, and 5-star Gen. George C. Marshall, Nobel Peace Prize awardee and 3rd Secretary of Defense.
Established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the Legion of Honor holds a rich history and profound significance in French culture. It was originally created as a way to recognize outstanding achievements and contributions to the nation, both in military and civilian capacities. Over the centuries, it has become a symbol of France's highest esteem and appreciation.
SETAF-AF, headquartered in Vicenza, Italy, provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe & Africa with a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis response options in Africa and Europe.
| Date Taken: | 03.22.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 04.08.2024 03:13 |
| Story ID: | 467268 |
| Location: | MARSEILLES, FR |
| Web Views: | 75 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, French Legion of Honor awarded to U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Todd R. Wasmund, by SSG Luke Wilson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT