Kim Jong Il, the late top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), was awarded the title of Generalissimo, the official news agency KCNA reported Wednesday.

According to the KCNA, the Central Committee and the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea, the DPRK National Defence Commission and the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly on Tuesday issued a decree conferring the honor on Kim Jong Il.

Kim Jong Il strengthened the Korean People's Army, defended the socialist country and the destiny of the nation, and made an immortal contribution to global peace and stability, the decree said.

He turned the DPRK into a military power and "led the stand-off with imperialism and the U.S. to victory," performing undying feats, the decree added.

Kim Jong Il passed away on Dec. 17, 2011. He was the second generalissimo after the deceased president Kim Il Sung was awarded the title of Generalissimo on April 13, 1992.