Stephen Colbert always addressed his “Colbert Report” audience as “nation”. Now the actual nation is recognizing Stephen Colbert. The new host of the Late Show was awarded the Outstanding Civilian Service Award for his contribution to the Army. It’s the third highest civilian honor that the Army awards. According to Army.mil, Colbert received his medal at a special ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Virginia just outside of Washington D.C. earlier this week.

The recognition came from Colbert’s work with the Yellow Ribbon Fund and his help promoting Michelle Obama’s “Joining Forces” initiative along with his shows in Iraq entertaining the troops. In 2009, he launched “Operation Iraqi Stephen: Going Commando” where he went through basic training and traveled to Baghdad for shows for the army.

Ironically looking like General Robert E. Lee with his new white beard, Stephen Colbert received his honor from Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno who also gave Colbert a different military honor during the comedian’s tour of Iraq. He was the officer that gave Stephen Colbert an army head shaving. General Odierno said, “What I want to reflect on was when Colbert made the strongest show of solidarity with our troops — when he sacrificed his most valuable possession – his hair – I have to say, this was one of the highlights of my tour.”

Before receiving his medal, Colbert talked about what the award meant to him. He said, “My first reaction, when I heard, was: I can’t take that; but I will as a reminder of how much more there is to do. I’m a fan of the Army – a couple of my brothers served in the Army, my dad was an Army doctor and my uncle was in the 101st Airborne on D-Day – so, I’ve always been aware of the gratitude we should have for those who answer the call to protect the country.”

Colbert with his boot camp hair cut and its long road back.

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