Sergeant Major Predrag Toplak Becomes First Croatian to Receive U.S Army Honour

Sergeant Major Predrag Toplak has become the first Croatian soldier to be awarded by the United States military…

Toplak, a member of the 24th Croatian contingent in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) operation in Afghanistan, has been awarded the Combat Action Badge (CAB). The Combat Action Badge can be awarded to soldiers serving with a U.S Army unit for performing duties in an area where hostile fire pay or imminent danger pay is authorized, who is personally present and actively engaging or being engaged by the enemy, and performing satisfactorily in accordance with the prescribed rules of engagement.

Toplak is the first Croatian solider to receive the badge for his participation and actions during a terrorist attack on an army barracks on 5 August 2014 in Kabul when U.S General Harold Green was killed and 16 members of the ISAF were injured. Toplak is one of the most experienced Major’s of the Croatian army, whose has dedicated most of his career to the forces serving in numerous senior positions. In 1999, Toplak was selected as the first Sergeant Major of the Croatian Armed Forces. (pic HRVCON)