The Austrian Cross of Honor for Science and Art, First Class has a long history dating back to the 19th Century, and was re-established in its current form in 1955. The award honors Austrians and foreign leading figures who have “distinguished themselves and earned general acclaim through especially superior creative and commendable services in the areas of the sciences or the arts.”
Bruce Pauley is one of the most highly respected and renowned experts on Austria in the United States. During the course of his many years of teaching and research, he has made significant contributions toward promoting research on the history of Austria, completing five scholarly books on the subject. He also represented Austrian Studies on innumerable panels and committees, and he has served as advisor to the Center for Austrian Studies at the University of Minnesota.
Recently retired, he has devoted a lifetime of work and achievement to Austrian culture in the U.S. As a tribute to his significant contribution toward strengthening Austrian-American relations, Pauley was awarded the honorable decoration by the Republic of Austria.