Lovric received the military award in Croatian President Ivo Josipovic's office from Admiral James Stavridis, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, who said Lovric was not only the first man of the Croatian military but was also well known in the region and in NATO.
He represents Croatia as a great professional, a leader of many men and women in the Croatian army serving in peace missions around the world, said Stavridis.
Lovric was awarded the Legion of Merit by US President Barack Obama and Secretary of Defence Leon Panetta, whom Lovric thanked.
"This is a recognition not only of my personal accomplishments but also a compliment to our armed forces and all of Croatia," he said, adding that this "was confirmation of the hard work of all Croatian soldiers who took part or are taking part in peace-keeping operations around the world."
President Jospovic said Lovric had significantly contributed to Croatia's security and international renown.
"Croatia highly appreciates the support the US showed in the Homeland War, notably during the liberation Operation Storm," he said, adding that the friendship between the two countries was confirmed in the peace-keeping missions within NATO and in the region and that this would be further strengthened with Croatia's upcoming European Union accession.