Former Senator Bob Dole decorated with Polish Order of Merit
12.12.2019
Ambassador Piotr Wilczek presented 96 year-old Robert J. Dole the Commander's Cross with a Star of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland. The ceremony took place in the office of the long-serving, former Republican senator and congressman from Kansas.
For many years, Bob Dole was the Republican Leader of the U.S. Senate (between 1985-1987 and again in 1995-1996). In 1976, he was the GOP’s vice-presidential candidate, and, in 1996, he ran as a presidential candidate. He was one of the first American senators who voiced their adamant support for Poland’s ascension to NATO.
Senator Dole honorably served in the U.S. military during World War II. He lost mobility in his hand resulting from injuries sustained during the war, and he received the Bronze Star Medal as well as two Purple Hearts for his bravery.
The Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland is awarded to foreigners and Polish citizens living abroad who, through their efforts, greatly contributed to both international cooperation and cooperation between the Republic of Poland and other countries.