BAD SALZUNGEN, Germany — A member of the 172nd Infantry Brigade in Schweinfurt was presented one of the highest German military decorations Friday at Weeratal Kaserne, a German military base near Schweinfurt.

Staff Sgt. Michael Gal was awarded the Bundeswehr Cross of Honor for his role in coordinating training and ceremonial support activities by the German and U.S. militaries.

Gal, who was born in Germany, has served as the liaison between the 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment "Black Scarves" and the local German unit, the 391 Panzergrenadier Battalion, since November 2002.

"It is an honor to receive such a prestigious award," Gal said by telephone.

But, he added, he considered maintaining the partnership and enabling U.S. soldiers to constantly train with the Germans is the real reward for his work.

The decoration is usually awarded for long and meritorious service. However, both foreign and German soldiers can be recognized by the German secretary of defense for valor in combat and other acts of merit regardless of time of service, Gal said.