Defence Minister Damir Krsticevic on Saturday attended a ceremony marking the 27th anniversary of the 4th Guard Brigade in Split, saying it was magnificent and that it should make the coastal city and Split-Dalmatia County proud.

Krsticevic also confirmed that he would be inducted to the U.S. Army War College International Fellows Hall of Fame on May 22 at Carlisle Barracks in Pennsylvania. He was the first Croatian officer to graduate from the U.S. Army War College, widely recognized as the highest education institution of the U.S. Army.

Formed in 1904, the college provides graduate-level instruction to senior military officers and civilians to prepare them for senior leadership assignments and responsibilities. The notification of Krsticevic’s induction was received through the Croatian military and diplomatic office in the United States.

Krsticevic graduated from the U.S. Army War College in 1998. So far 11 Croatian officers have graduated from the U.S. Army War College.

The college was also attended by notable U.S. commanders and officials such as Dwight D. Eisenhower, George S. Patton and Omar Bradley.

Speaking at today’s ceremony in Split, Krsticevic said he had closed the topic of Serbia after it declared him persona non grata. The Split ceremony was also attended by the Croatian Army Chief Of Staff General Mirko Sundov and he too said the ceremony was outstanding.