The Irish officer who commanded European troops in Chad over the last year was awarded the Légion d'honneur in Paris this afternoon.
Lieutenant General Pat Nash was given the medal by President Nicolas Sarkozy at a ceremony attended by his wife Deirdre and their three sons.
Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces Lt Gen Dermot Earley also attended the event.
General Nash is originally from Ahane in Co Limerick and has been living in Cork city. He was one of 11 recipients this afternoon.
He became operational commander of European troops in Chad in October 2007 and has been based in Paris since.
The European mission in Chad was taken over by the UN two months ago and 400 Irish troops continue to serve there.
General Nash will retire next month. He is expected to receive several other honours before he steps down at a ceremony in Dublin on 12 June.
The medal is France's highest accolade for people who distinguish themselves through civilian or military valour.
