The head of the National Security Council, Kao Hua-chu, has been awarded the Order of Brilliant Star, first rank.
Kao is a retired ROC Army general and was defense minister between 2009 and 2013.
Presenting the award, President Ma Ying-jeou praised Hua for making the armed forces more effective in disaster response and for boosting recruitment. He also thanked him for his contributions to cross-strait ties and Taiwan’s relationship with the United States.
Ma cited Hua’s bravery following a helicopter crash during an exercise in 1974 in which more than 20 people died. Hua survived the crash and carried his commanding officer on his back while seeking help.
The president also awarded the Order of Brilliant Star, second rank, to Diane Ying, founder of CommonWealth Magazine, Taiwan’s first successful business magazine.
The Order of Brilliant Star is a civilian order awarded for outstanding contributions to the nation’s development.