06/02/2026
Sergeant Matias Reyes of 🇺🇾 is receiving UN Peacekeeping's highest award, the Captain Mbaye Diagne Medal for Exceptional Courage.
Going above and beyond the call of duty, Sgt. Reyes risked his life to save the lives of 12 soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo🇨🇩.
While stationed in with the United Nations Mission in the DR Congo - Monusco, Sgt. Reyes witnessed fierce clashes between the Congolese Armed Forces and the Mouvement Du 23 Mars (M23). While helping to secure the entrance of the base, Sgt. Reyes repeatedly braved heavy fire and rescued wounded Congolese soldiers who were attempting to seek refuge at the peacekeepers base.
Despite the obvious risks, he helped carry 12 gravely wounded soldiers back to the temporary medical tent established by UN peacekeepers, saving their lives in the process.
Sgt. Reyes continues to serve under the blue flag🇺🇳 in the .
The Diagne Medal will be bestowed by United Nations Secretary-General AntĂłnio Guterres during the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers commemorations at the UN Headquarters in New York on 5 June.
This award was established in 2014 to recognize military, police and civilian personnel who demonstrate exceptional courage in the line of duty. The Medal has only been awarded three times previously.
Learn more: https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/press-releases/two-peacekeepers-to-be-honoured-with-un-peacekeepings-highest-award-diagne-medal-for-exceptional-courage
/ / Forces Armées de la RD Congo