In the pantheon of the immortals, the national benefactor and Honorable Major General, Iakovos Tsounis

Defence Redefined

Published on 11/04/2021 at 11:30

On Saturday, April 10, 2021, Honorable Major General Iakovos Tsounis passed away at 401 General Army Military Hospital, where he was hospitalized.

Iakovos Tsounis was born in Eglykada, Patras in 1924. He was the 13th child of the family of the Forester of Patras, Konstantinos Tsounis and a descendant of the warriors of 1821, Lonteon and Petmezaion. At the age of 16 he enlisted as a volunteer in the Greek Army and served on the front line in the mountains of Albania during the Greek-Italian War of 1940. Iakovos Tsounis was the youngest veteran of World War II with international recognition.

He was a graduate of the Hamilton Institute in New York. In 1966, he joined the field of Merchant Shipping and acquired a total of 13 ships. He was President of the Hellenic Studies Foundation in Great Britain, Vice President of the Information Committee on National Affairs and Law, Vice President of the Athenian Club as well as co-founder of institutions and medical companies.

Iacovos Tsounis’ contribution to the Greek Armed Forces is timeless and huge. Recently, among other things, he donated 60 rubber boats (capable of transporting 7-10 men) to Special Operations Commands and renovated the wards of clinics of the 401 General Army Hospital of Athens and the 417 Nursing Institution of the Army Share Fund (NIMITS). As a last act of love, support and devotion to the Armed Forces, he decided to bequeath all his real estate to them.

For his overall offer he has been honored with numerous distinctions and titles. The following are indicative:

 

• Medal of Excellence 3rd Class
• War Cross 3rd Class
• Gold Lion General Headquarters of NATO
• Star of Value and Honor Ministry of National Defense
• Honorable Major General
• Honorary President 401 General Army Hospital

 

On Wednesday, 24 Feb, 2021, the President of the Republic, Mrs. Katerina Sakellaropoulou, presented to Iakovos Tsounis the Order of the Grand Cross of the Order of Honor, for his important contribution, especially for his contribution to the strengthening of the Armed Forces.

The Armed Forces express their deepest condolences to his family for the loss of this unique Greek and worthy son of the Homeland.

Source: HNDGS

Also read: Rear Admiral’s in honor P. Laskaridis donation to the Hellenic Navy – Completion of the “KYKNOS II” Program – Photos