Armenia’s great friend, former US Senator Bob Dole, was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, reported the Voice of America Armenian Service.

Dole, who was severely wounded during the Second World War, returned to a full life thanks to renowned American Armenian physician Hampar Kelikian. It was through this Armenian orthopedic surgeon that it became possible to save Bob Dole’s right hand, which all other physicians said it had to be amputated.

In the future, Senator Dole never forgot his Armenian “savior,” and had a special consideration toward the Armenian members of his staff.

As senator, Bob Dole played a key role in the founding of Armenian-American relations, said executive director Aram Hamparian of the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

Senator Dole was a major supporter of Armenian Genocide recognition.

Also, he played a key role in sending aid to earthquake-hit Armenia in 1988.

In addition, Bob Dole was one of the initiators of the US assistance program to Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh).