Mongolian President Elbegdorj bestows Order of the Polar Star on Robert Painter

Order of the Polar Star is Mongolia's highest state honor that can be awarded to foreign nationals

On May 6, 2013, in New York City, attorney Robert Painter received the Order of Altan Gadas (Order of the Polar Star), pursuant to Decree 58 of the President of Mongolia, Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj. The Altan Gadas (Order of the Polar Star) is the highest state honor bestowed on foreign nationals by the president of Mongolia and past recipients have included U.S. President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin. President Elbegdorj bestowed the award in recognition of Robert Painter's successful representation of the President and Government of Mongolia that led to the repatriation the great Tyrannosaurus bataar fossil, which had been illegally smuggled out of the country.