odlikovati

1. (+ acc. and instr.) to decorate; to award an order
   Predsednik je odlikovao lekare ordenom za zasluge. — The president decorated the doctors with an order of merit.
   Posle rata su ga odlikovali za hrabrost. — After the war he was decorated for bravery.
2. (odlikovati se + instr.) to be distinguished by; to be characterized by
   Ovaj kraj se odlikuje lepom prirodom i dobrom hranom. — This region is known for its beautiful nature and good food.
   Njen stil se odlikuje jednostavnošću. — Her style is characterized by simplicity.
3. (odlikovati se + instr.) to distinguish oneself; to excel
   U toj bici se odlikovao hrabrošću. — He distinguished himself by his bravery in that battle.
4. (of an attribute, + acc.) to characterize; to distinguish
   Njen stil odlikuje jednostavnost. — Simplicity characterizes her style.

The person is in the accusative and the award in the instrumental: odlikovati nekoga ordenom.