Late Georgian serviceman’s family receives award from US President

The family of a Georgian soldier who died while serving in a peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan has received a top US medal from the United States’ President Barack Obama for their son’s exemplary service.

Georgia’s Defence Minister Tinatin Khidasheli handed the Bronze Star Medal to the mother of late Georgian Private First Class Vasil Kuljanishvili.

Kuljanishvili, 21, died in September while serving in the NATO-led Resolute Support mission.

The awarding ceremony was held at the late soldier’s grave in his home town Rustavi in central Georgia.

"It’s very sad when our sons die, but it’s very important when they are recognised like this,” Khidasheli said.

The Bronze Star Medal was awarded to the fallen soldier for his "exceptionally meritorious service” within the Resolute Support mission, the award certificate read.

Moreover, Kuljanishvili was the first Georgian serviceman whose name was carved into a memorial stone of a legendary US Army unit – the 101st Airborne Division 3rdBrigade Combat Team (BCT). The Defence Minister showed the soldier’s mother a picture of his son’s name being there.

Kuljanishvili was killed in Afghanistan in September while serving in the Georgian Armed Forces (GAF) 4thMechanised Brigade alongside the 3rd BCT. Another GAF service member, Sergeant Paata Rostobaia was wounded at the same time but survived his injuries.