U.S. Army recognizes Dan Rice for actions in Ukraine

The United States Army Europe and Africa command awarded Dan Rice, president of American University Kyiv, the Civilian Award for Humanitarian Service during a ceremony in Wiesbaden, Germany, recognizing his actions in Ukraine between March 2022 and March 2023.

According to a statement shared by American University Kyiv, Rice received the award from General Christopher T. Donahue, commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa and NATO Land Command. The Civilian Award for Humanitarian Service is presented by the Department of the Army to individuals who demonstrate direct, hands-on participation in humanitarian operations designated at the Secretary of Defense level.

The university said in a statement that Rice was recognized for “extraordinary courage and selfless actions in support of military operations in Ukraine from March 2022 to March 2023.” The statement added that he “repeatedly entered active combat zones, accompanying Ukrainian Forces under enemy fire while conducting critical battlefield assessments.”

Rice’s actions were described as materially contributing to Ukrainian defense efforts during the initial period of the war. The statement said his conduct “materially strengthened Ukrainian defense capabilities and advanced United States strategic objectives,” while also reflecting credit on both U.S. Army Europe and Africa and the broader U.S. Army.

Rice said: “I was honored to receive a medal for ‘extraordinary courage’ from General Christopher T. Donahue, Commander U.S. Army Europe and Africa! As a civilian, I never expected to receive any U.S. Army medals, but have done my best to support U.S. National Security objectives here in Ukraine for four years. General Donahue commanded Delta Force, then 82nd Airborne, and XVIII Airborne Corps. He’s been involved in Ukraine nearly the entire war, first as a three-star, and now as a four-star. It is an honor to call him a friend.”

Rice’s recognition is tied specifically to his role during the first year of the war, when he served as a volunteer advisor supporting Ukrainian military leadership. His work included battlefield visits and assessments conducted under combat conditions, according to the statement.