Paratrooper Awarded Victoria Cross by The Queen | Forces TV
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ต.ค. 2024
- A paratrooper who risked death on three separate occasions during a battle with the Taliban has been awarded the Victoria Cross by Her Majesty the Queen. When an assault on a Taliban stronghold by British and American forces became pinned down, LCpl Leakey took command and risked enemy fire to survey the area.
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Former US paratrooper here, thanking you LCpl Leaky for saving the US officer and for well representing the airborne tradition.
Green on-Airborne you know you are the best!
brownie1341 do you know if the US Officer, LCpl Leakey VC gave first aid to and casevaced, survived?
Your guys would do the same for ours! Were all brothers when fighting!
@@beakytzw Brandon bocian m8.
@@jay71512 cheers buddy.
These are the people who deserve awards. Not so called celebrities who are famous for being famous.
They are famous because they did an excellent job that requires great heroism and gallantry.
@@dallasyap3064 Exactly right. And the heroes are always more self effacing and modest about the fantastic brave things that bring them their award.
i laugh at edie windsor and his phedo lover andy winsor proper doggs mess
@@TheJimbojetset1 I laugh at your terrible spelling and illiterate comment. 🤣😂😅
@@mscott3918 bwliant tahks
HM The Queen alsways seems so engaged when interacting with Military personnel
s mcb The Queen is deeply interested in the armed forces, as are all the Royal Family. The armed forces all swear an oath of loyalty to the Sovereign, not the country, and the bond is real and close.
@@mscott3918 They wouldn't take a bullet for our brave soldiers though would they?
Ben Potter they wouldn’t be in that position though would they, and it’s way out of their duties anyway you absolute donut
“Yeah queenie you’ve been deployed to Baghdad, you might have to take a bullet for private nobhead, that’s a risk we are willing to take”
@@benpotter6832 Ben you are dumb. Both the Queen's son and grandson have active service experience.
@@benpotter6832 You're an embarrassment.
As a Victoria Cross holder he now gets to be saluted by Officers (not the other way round) and even the RSM!
Whats RSM? Sorry im from Sweden so i dont know.
@Georgia Taylor Tnx
And if he should go on to further honours, no matter how lofty, that 'VC' will always be first after his name.
@@goinge Regimental Sergeant Major. The most senior non commissioned officer in a battalion.
You don’t salute the RSM
That Marine was able to come home to his family because of LCpl Leakey's courage and skill. Much respect to him and his fellow Paras from former USAF.
That marine shouldn't be there in the first place. Murica is fighting poor countries all over the globe since the dawn of time, only for their own economic interests. There is no honour in this.
@@dxb8086 whether you agree with the war or not, this man showed bravery of the highest degree and saved lives, there is honour in that.
@@bendonoghue9840 saved lives of the british who were in afghanistan by killing afghans on their own land. What a great honour! ... oh please
@@dxb8086 Dawn of time is a bit extreme they have only been a country since 1776,most of europe is at least a legion older some even older
Marine? He was a paratrooper
You can see the genuine delight in the Queens face in awarding one of her boys. Love it!
i should hope so as the criteria for a VC is incredible. Theres a reason only 15 have been awarded since 1945. You'd literally have to singlehandedly destroy a battalion and you'd only get a consideration.
@@ashleygoggs5679 ... And yet, of all the VCs awarded, only 3 men have received the award twice. Two of those were doctors in WW1 (Arthur Martin-Leake and Noel Chavase), the other being a New Zealander; Charles Upham.
From a combat veteran of Vietnam, much admiration for your courage and many thanks for caring for one of my countrymen.
The offical citation of his VC:
"Between May and December 2013, Lance Corporal Leakey was deployed in Afghanistan as a member of a Task Force conducting operations to disrupt insurgent safe-havens and protect the main operating base in Helmand province. The majority of operations took place in daylight in non-permissive areas, attracting significant risk. On the 22nd August 2013, Lance Corporal Leakey deployed on a combined UK / US assault led by the United States Marine Corps into a Taliban stronghold to disrupt a key insurgent group.
After dismounting from their helicopters, the force came under accurate machine gun and rocket propelled grenades fire resulting in the Command Group being pinned down on the exposed forward slope of a hill. The team attempted to extract from the killing zone for an hour, their efforts resulting in a Marine Corps Captain being shot and wounded and their communications being put out of action. Lance Corporal Leakey, positioned on the lee of the hill, realising the seriousness of the situation and with complete disregard for his own safety, dashed across a large area of barren hillside which was now being raked with machine gun fire. As he crested the hill, the full severity of the situation became apparent: approximately twenty enemy had surrounded two friendly machine gun teams and a mortar section rendering their critical fire support ineffective.
Undeterred by the very clear and present danger, Lance Corporal Leakey moved down the forward slope of the hill, and gave first aid to the wounded officer. Despite being the most junior commander in the area, Lance Corporal Leakey took control of the situation and initiated the casualty evacuation. Realising that the initiative was still in the hands of the enemy, he set off back up the hill, still under enemy fire, to get one of the suppressed machine guns into action. On reaching it, and with rounds impacting on the frame of the gun itself, he moved it to another position and began engaging the enemy.
This courageous action spurred those around him back into the fight; nonetheless, the weight of enemy fire continued. For the third time and with full knowledge of the extant dangers, Lance Corporal Leakey exposed himself to enemy fire once more. Weighed down by over 60 lbs of equipment, he ran to the bottom of the hill, picked up the second machine gun and climbed back up the hill again: a round trip of more than 200 metres on steep terrain. Drawing the majority of the enemy fire, with rounds splashing around him, Lance Corporal Leakey overcame his fatigue to re-site the gun and return fire. This proved to be the turning point. Inspired by Lance Corporal Leakey's actions, and with a heavy weight of fire now at their disposal, the force began to fight back with renewed ferocity.
Having regained the initiative, Lance Corporal Leakey handed over the machine gun and led the extraction of the wounded officer to a point from which he could be safely evacuated. During the assault 11 insurgents were killed and 4 wounded, but the weight of enemy fire had effectively pinned down the command team. Displaying gritty leadership well above that expected of his rank, Lance Corporal Leakey's actions single-handedly regained the initiative and prevented considerable loss of life, allowing a wounded US Marine officer to be evacuated."
He's not even the first member of his family to be awarded the VC. His second cousin twice removed, Nigel Leakey, was posthumously awarded it during WWII.
Salute sir!
A 27-year old junior NCO with just 2 ribbons on his uniform: the Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan and the Victoria Cross. He was a true soldier right out of the gate. Respect.
EDIT: I found out that Joshua comes from a strong military tradition. His father, Mark Leakey, is a retired RAF air commodore (NATO OF-6, equivalent to brigadier general). His second cousins twice removed were brothers Nigel and Arundell Leakey who served in the British Army. Nigel was posthumously awarded the VC for valor in Ethiopia during WWII and Arundell was awarded the Military Cross and eventually became a major general. Arundell's son David is a retired British Army lieutenant general and attended Joshua's VC ceremony.
A Hero for sure, I am an U.S. Air Force veteran, realizing the closeness of the relationship between Great Britain and the United States is a long and wonderful relationship. To hear you gave aid to a member of the US Military was awesome, but not a surprise as both countries are so very close. Your award thus matches our Medal of Honor, and so in my mind you have received the Medal of Honor along with all of the privileges that accompany this award. Thank You for your service to your nation and mine. I am not too far in my family from the Nation of Great Britain, my paternal Grandfather was born in England and emigrated to the United States with his family. I am but the second generation American by birth.
The USA drags Britain into conflicts it should have avoided. The USA needs to stop involving itself in other countries' conflicts.
@@alastairgreen6783 We the UK and US defend people/countries when they're attacked by your people (religious fanatics) at great personal cost to both our countries. Countries have the right to live in freedom . If they call for help through the UN we will go to their aid.. Would you not help a friend who needs help.?
I think it’s very gracious of you to say how proud you are to serve with the British, we have a long and wonderful history together 🤝friends today friends tomorrow and friends forever
Well, not that strange if you look at the guys who founded US 😆
Uk 🇬🇧🤝usa🇺🇲
Not too often does one get a handshake from the Queen without a glove......... Decent guy who did a great job............."Go Airborne"............
Yes quite right no gloves"Bless your Ma'am"
I noticed that too. Very rare indeed and probably quite deliberate on her behalf
He's not Airbourne you moron, he's British and WE are proud of him?,
In Australia, our VC recipients have the honour of everyone within the armed services, whilst they are still serving, having to salute them, regardless of rank. It's a tradition that goes back to WW1...
Ozzy Pete I believe the same goes for the British VC, and I know it goes for the United States Medal of Honor.
LCpl Leakey. Thank you for your service. Richard S Leakey, Garland, Texas
Do you have a relation at all?
Rick are you related to the great Lance corporal Leakey?
Look at this man, listen to him speak, then compare it to Hollywood's version of courage on the battlefield.
you mean transgender people
And he’s 27. Respect to this young man at the time
That’s because he doesn’t see it as a galant effort or heroic moment....he was just doing his job. It’s the same with police officers, firemen and paramedics, they just see it as another day. It makes it that much more heroic when people are humble about it!
Jez Creed 100%
You’ll also find he’ll probably never mention it again
As an ex servicemen, this gave me goosebumps, and unless you've been in the forces you will not understand just how much camaraderie there is amongst the men. God save the Queen and LCpl Leakey, you are a hero to all in the UK.
As an ex soldier of 8 years I can confirm that your comments are spot on. I desparetley miss all the freinds I made in my time in service.
@jack tarr actually, the membership fee can be the ultimate price, but most of us were willing to pay it if it was called for
Richard Vail, LCpl USMC (Ret)
@jack tarr Indeed, I always loved the prologue to the movie Patton. While George S. never actually said those exact words, he did say similar things many times. Make the other sonsabitch die for HIS country! I wholeheartedly support that sentiment.
As a former soldier who served in COD. My teammates were idiots
@@poke6013 lolololol. Stolen valour.
When you see some of the Vermin that walk our streets. What a pleasure to see a Real Hero hope he has a long and wonderful life.
We need more people like this excellent young man
@Omnishable and jizz When he says "vermin" I'm sure he's talking about the drug abusing, benefit stealing kind of vermin.
@@Richard-r7u6c Spot on.
@Omnishable and jizz good luck mate hope it works out for you
@SMITHY TV the vermin dehumanise themselves.
This man is a true hero: courage in spades, yet modest and kind. I was very touched by his account, and by the Queen's obvious gratitude and pride in him. VC - doesn't get any higher than that.
Courage in spades? Are you a queen of spades? Is your wife?
@@Irishandtired It's a figure of speech.
@@Irishandtired It means he has a lot of courage.
Well said
As a guy from the USA, that was cool! A salute to him and the British army!
Especially as nine out of ten Victoria Cross actions ends in the recipient's death.
If I ever met the queen face to face I think I'd be umming & uhhing & babbling all over the place
@@jayrussell1825 To be fair we don't have the audio of what they said.
Every VC winner I've ever seen interviewed or read about was exceedingly modest. Some were almost embarrassed by the attention they received. God bless them all. They are wonderful.
The medal is not won..it is earned.
researchers of the VC have stated many times that those who earned a VC had very common traits such as modesty which is why we have seen multiple VC's in multiple families. Its actually incredible.
You tend to fine that they never even mention it. Many a child has only found out their dad was awarded one after they died and found it in a box somewhere
Same with the Military Cross - I know two recipients of the MC, and they won't talk about it. Not surprising, really, as the circumstances were horrific.
I think anybody so brave that he will take such risks for his Brothers in Arms that then get recognized as Gallantry.
Nobody who is a glory hound or egoistical macho would even have taken those risk for his brothers in arms. And Those risks get taken in terrible circumstances of life and death and misery for all involved.
So it would in fact surprise me if one of them wasn't humble.. If any such person wasn't.. It would mean they gave the medal to the wrong person.
From France: well earned lance corp.! Huurraaaah!
Wow, this is wonderful. Just look a the smile on Her Majesty when she pins the award onto the soldier's chest. You can tell that she is genuinly proud and happy to give him the award. As a queen, and as a grandmother of the nation. Good save Queen Elizabeth II and LCpl Leakey!
Tiafain she doesnt get to award the VC to living troops very often.
He is from the very famous Leakey family famous now for both anthropology and Victoria Crosses!
Correction Willie Eckerslike.Her Majesty is not German at all.her nearest German descendant was Prince Albert.That was 3 generations ago.So she is 100% British!
+Willie Eckerslike Not true. Libtard propaganda . DNA study was done 98% all the same. Look it up.
@half a rasher. It appears you have been triggered by xenophobia or maybe just call it as it is, racist.
From the United States, long live the Queen. Well done lad.
God safe the Queen from the States
@@mikecarone7320 We aren't after your Queen, many of us have more respect for her than some of you do.
Bla bla
@@mikecarone7320 you are so special.. go back to bed ass
It really does help keep things dignified to have a non-political Head of State. 🙂
From USA with respect honor for Great Britain we love you mum.
Capt Tommy Schmitt, it’s actually Ma’am
@@shaun3473 It's actually Ma'am
paul Last, yer I know that’s what I thought I had typed
Maybe he meant Great Britain is mum? Since technically USA is born from the empire.
Nobody loves you stick with trump
Much love and respect from an American civilian who admires your courage and dedication. Thank you. Love from 🇺🇸
What a bloke!! You're now officially a living legend!
Everyone. Make sure his Pint is never empty until he wants to stop.
A United States Air Force veteran here, thank you sir for all you have given for your fellow man, your duty, and all you have given to your nation and the rest of the world. A most extraordinary award to a man so extraordinary....
Thank you for your service sir. Did you fly a desk back in the day?
@@cowboyanimal6700 Your village called us - can you go back as they are missing their very own idiot ...
@@cowboyanimal6700 sorry what do you mean
There’s no question as to his bravery and gallantry, but his humbleness and his gratitude to his mates says something about him.
The truly brave are generally the most modest.
And says something about his parents
Well done young man, you are a credit to your country and your regiment. By the look on our Queens face she is also extremely proud of you.
I don't know if this is alright with the great and amazing British people but as a Yankee doodle dandy Iam so proud and amazed and happy when I see the kind of great men our number one partner against this earths many demons and their demon countries! The part I don't know is alright is when I see a great warrior from England making her Royal Majesty the Queen England smile I get choked up like we aren't separated countries. Its because our countries never view the world alone. We always can count on each other when the very serious matters must be dealt with. Long live the United kingdom!!! Long live the United states of America!!!!
You're fine with all of us mate. America and Britain will always be brothers in arms although we have our differences and we have our quarrels, we can always rely on one another to help get the job done right. I raise my tea cup to you, brother.
@Carl Defler. We ARE like Brothers aren't we? We fight like cat and dog over stupid things, but when the chips are down, there's no better team...forget the politicians..... we do it for the guys and girls on the ground.
Beautiful mate!! We stand with you today and always! 🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧🇺🇸
Well, American troops are our boys too.
@@gho95 We need to not let the Yanks drag us into conflicts.
Airborne All the Way! 🇺🇸⚔️🇬🇧
motorcop505 I’m the 82nd like (82 airborne lol)
AATW! B co 2/508 1984-86
AIRBORNE. SAS. PARATROOPERS . Bravest of the brave. fighting soldiers from the sky.
Hmm
Hello moto
You represented our country with respect, gallantry and by doing the job. Sincere respects to you and all British Military personnel doing a job which many of us do not appreciate. Thank you.
America will always love you and we will do it for you to. I Salute you fellow Allie of America.
I love the little personal gesture by the Queen - just after pinning the medal onto the tunic, she gives a little bob of the head and hands as if to say .." Perfect"!
Lots of love From India ,LONG LIVE THE QUEEN 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇮🇳🇮🇳❤❤❤❤
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN
pierre rockpierre you guys weren’t weren’t saying that back in 1948 😂
pierre rockpierre thank you 🙏 🇬🇧 🇮🇳
@@scottwarwick7514 yeah that's true
She could've been your queen :(
We wernt willing to be slaves and not having an active economy but... god save the Queen. Even tho I’m british🤣
Thanks from the Unites States brother ! ❤ 🇺🇸🇬🇧❤
Two highly decorated Gurkhas either side of the Queen.
timmo491 no better hands to be in
What an incredible man, so humble, so proud of our Armed Forces...
I am an American, and I am proud to say that most of my ancestors come from Britain. Wales
Cymru am Byth 🏴🏴
False most of our ancestors are German, assuming you're caucasian.
@@brandonhalsey2947 What are you talking about false? America had a huge migration of welsh people, especially in states like Pennsylvania and Ohio. millions of americans have welsh ancestry.. including some of your founding fathers such as Thomas Jefferson, John adams, and even Richard Nixon!
@@brandonhalsey2947 Nope, for one thing we can check out when Germany came into being and safely establish that there was not a single german present during the revolutionary war. Aside from that I can safely say a great many Britons have part-'Germanic' ancestry, so the two are not mutually exclusive. Then there's the 'fact' that you're just wrong anyway.. the guy was talking about his own ancestors. I can just imagine your reaction if an african american had said 'my ancestors came from Ghana,' only to be told 'Actually, most slaves were bought from Siin & Senegambia.'
@@Louid133Welsh, Scottish, Irish, English... and Cornish. 🇬🇧🤝🇺🇸
You can tell Her Majesty loves her soldiers.🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Más que eso. Esclavos!
From the USA, also bloody good show mate! God bless you and God save the queen
you give a Brit command. and he is more likely to die than the soldiers under him its matter of pride. and thirst. Back at the pub he will never have to buy drinks
The British Army are one of the oldest Armies on the planet and probably the most disciplined too.
Just cannot honour this man enough. A V.C. Pinned on by The Queen, who showed him great honour, is about as good as it get. She was very obviously delighted to honour him. Well done, Sir, you are a credit to Britain and so is our Queen.
Only respect for this man and all those who serve or have served in the armed forces of Great Britain
Great Britain doesn't include NI. Better to say the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Tim Fisher Photography Tim Fisher Photography Im Northern Irish and I don't even care and ma dad was in the army, he also doesn't care. It is the British army so fair enough saying Great Britain.
Congratulations Josh. Cheers from Australia, we are proud of you too.
I LOVE THE QUEEN🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹GOD BLESS YOU FOR ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF YOUR BRAVE WARRIORS THAT SERVE SO VALIANTLY 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻LANCE CORPORAL LEAKY AMAZING STORY.THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏🏻
God Bless you Son you make this country very proud
it's absolutely uncanny how VC's end up being awarded multiple times to one family. Amazing!
And neighbours and people who live in the same street
Thank you Sir. From the USN, 30 years enlisted - and out 🎱. You are a Hero and Warrior. Again, thank you Sir.
You John are a Sir in our eyes.
From an Australian that didn't fight in a war or serve.
That's a really nice thing to say, well done.
When they ask you what it means to be British show them this, if it doesn't bring a tear to their eye then they shouldn't be here and are certainly not British.
Correct mate well said 🇬🇧
Americans too feel obliged and much respect to our cousins across the pond!!
One thing I have noticed over the years is those awarded bravery medals are rarely braggarts. They had a job and they did it. They weren't looking to fill their uniforms with ribbons. I worked a short time for a Medal of Honor recipient in the Marine Corps and the VC winner and he both have the same attitude about their heroics. Congrats young man. Now live long become the RSM and retire.
NEVER WILL FOR GET WHEN THE QUEEN DECORATED THE PARAS AFTER THE SLAUGHTER OF INNOCENT PEOPLE ON BLOODY SUNDAY, LONG LIVE THE IRISH PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN PERSECUTED FOR 8OO YEARS , WILL NEVER FORGET NEVER EVER ,
Canadian paratrooper (retired) here..... well done lad...... Airborne!
Which regiment?
Absolute legend. Epitome of what The Parachute Regiment is all about.
My Great grandfather didn't receive this medal, but did recieve the military medal in 1944 for saving 10 men under Japanese fire darting in and out of cover with injured men on his shoulders. That is what I heard, it was in Burma . He also fought at Dunkirk, receiving then France and Germany star, then the Africa star for fighting in Africa and the Burma star. I think he received the defence medal aswell.
The man is a natural soldier. Obviously runs in the family. Congratulations and thank you for your service.
congrats :O
Thank you soldier well done from the United States of America thank you for being so brave and humble God bless you!!
wow, only 15 awarded. what an honour for this lad. though I think a 16th VC needs to be awarded to a mistake.
Blair (paddy) mayne should be posthumously awarded the VC. his actions and achievements read like a Hollywood film.
it's a travesty he never got it simply due to politics with some superiors not liking him.
🇬🇧♥️🇬🇧♥️🇬🇧
Well done man! What a splendid young man with a well balanced view in life. If only a quarter of our youth were this good today there would be hope still! Instead I look around these days at younger generations and am filled with dread and despair. Bring back conscription I say!
Thank you for your service and for saving one of our U.S. officers. Thank you all.
He grew up next door to me in MacDill AFB (FL) when his father was an Exchange Pilot. He was just a toddler, I was much older. We had the Leakey's on our left, on the right we had the exchange RAF Engineering Officer, and behind us we had the Belgian AF Exchange pilot.
Utrinque Paratus says it all, well done you have done yourself, battalion, regiment and country proud.
He made me feel very proud to be British. To think that there are so many young people wasting their lives with knife crime and all sorts without a thought for anyone, yet this man thought only of others. He is still only 27 - what an example to others. Thoroughly deserved medal, and the ceremony looked fitting for such bravery.
Congratulations sir. Your country is proud of you.
Duty, Honour, Service, Sacrifice 🛡⚔🎖✌What a tremendously modest soldier he is.. A true BRAVE HEART! This is a Man's Man! SOLDIER, I SALUTE YOU!👏👏👏👏👏🎗
Congratulations Sir on a job well done!!! Being a Special Ops soldier who saw active service in Rhodesia, Mozambique and Angola realises the pride and bravery showed under extreme circumstances you the recipient of the Victoria Cross the 15th awarded since the WW2. I am immensely proud to see a humble man as yourself receive such an award from the Queen. "Those who Dare win "!!
A most impressive feat. Glad to see he was properly recognized and was alive to receive such a high honor.
Thank You LCpl Leakey for giving aid to an American and your bravery in the face of enemy and your service to your Queen and the United Kingdom from a proud American.
This is what the British military is all about and why we are simply the greatest soldiers in the world- what a man
Absolute legend, you deserve the title.
Josh, hats off mate. A true soldier. Modest, brave, selfless.
Congratulations young man...proud to be English seeing this!
God bless the Leakey family. Such bravery is the highest to be awarded the Victoria Cross, the most prestigious award
I have so much much respect for VC recipients.
Ex-German soldier here, respect to you mate.
Airborne all the way
I married one :-)
For as long as selfless, valiant service is rendered by persons such as this sterling gentleman, the Armed Forces of the Crown shall never want for glory or prestige. I always am in awe of such people. Both Marlborough and Wellington would beam with pride.
God bless you from the USA.
Thank you for your service, courage and inspiration.
Well done mate respect
2 VC's in one family?... thats one bad ass blood line
Fr
There are 84 people who've given the story of this wonderful serviceman's act of heroism the thumbs down. In God's name why?
David Tinker Traitors? Lunatics?
Good man. A fine example to his countrymen and women.
I've always loved the British. As a American and Texan God Bless England 🇬🇧 🙏 🙌
"Just being a soldier and doing his bit". That is the sign of a true patriot. I could see HRH enjoyed giving that medal. Not tedious to her at all. She was interested as someone who served during war. Good Job L Corporal Leaky!
That moment they shared, Leaky and Her majesty, the Queen; that itself will live in his memory, a story he will pass to his child.
Her Majesty doesn’t hand out the Victoria Cross everyday. Very rare. Well done, soldier. 🥇
The Victoria Cross is the Highest
Award for Valour,Bravery and
Gallantry in the face of the Enemy.
The Men and Women in the Military
Services who receive the Victoria
Cross are carrying out their Duties
and Responsibilities above their Call.
Split second decisions and actions
are taken.
I have a Victoria Cross Medal in which
anybody can buy from the Internet.
(It is not the real Victoria Cross Medal,
but a Replica).
Thank you sir
Let's bring him to the US and give him our highest medal congressional medal of honor since he was fighting a war that we started.
@Kieran Dillon You are rude .
Edward Vanhoose In 2001 members of the S.B.S were put forward to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor for their actions at Qatar i Jangui in Afghanistan but the Home Secretary at the time blocked them receiving it- citing the fact that the UK doesn’t admit to where our special forces are. Shame,that would have been something really special. There is some footage of them in action here on TH-cam
@Kieran Dillon Not very nice.
@@mikeymikeFType im sure there were ways around that detail. Could have simply said "for action supporting Coalition Forces in Afghanistan." British forces being there is hardly a secret. Only his unit, family, PM, Home Secretary and the Queen need know the particulars.
Thank you and well done!
The highest respect to this gentleman and to his comrades.
A modest nice man who gave exemplary service.
God Bless The Parachute Regiment!!!
Shaking hands?? That's big. From across the pond, thank you for your service and sacrifice.
Hello Jen how're you doing today?
So much better if no commentary over the service!
Go Paras. Well done fella.
What I like about the VC is that it is modest and no frills, the same as the recipient. It is granted privately quite some time after the incident, sometimes as long as 2 years. Thats deliberate because if he returned to the field straight away he could be targetted. Its award is so rare to be given to someone who survived an incident.
There are a number of Special Forces recipients bur there is an embargo on publicity. This because the identities of all British, Australian, Canadian and New Zealand special forces soldiers is secret. In these cases the award is given in private with the Queen but kept in safe custody until a later date.
thank you for your information on this award. I, for one, had no idea about this. and it makes sense. long live the commonwealth, or whats left of it.
I'll add that my favourite bit of trivia about the Victoria Cross is that no matter what other titles you are ever awarded or earn in life, or how distinguished they are, for example CBE, OBE, KG, etc, the VC always comes first after your name. It is always awarded first at ceremonies (before knighthoods and so on), and is always the first medal/ribbon to be displayed on a uniform.
I will make a minor correction to your statement that 'it's award is so rare to be given to someone who survived an incident' as this gives the impression that whether the recipient lives or dies has any influence on it's awarding. It is simply a matter that those being awarded the medal have fought and survived through odds so great that it's amazing any of them survived at all.
A small correction mate, identities of Special Forces recipients is not a secret.
Also please remember the George Cross which can also be awarded to Civilians as well as Military. The George Cross (GC) is the second highest award of the United Kingdom honours system. It is awarded "for acts of the greatest heroism or for most conspicuous courage in circumstance of extreme danger", not in the presence of the enemy, to members of the British armed forces and to British civilians.
Originally, you had to survive to receive the VC. After that policy was reversed in 1907, some were awarded "back dated" to the families of men who would have received them if they'd survived the action.
When you read the report of what this guy did, it beggars belief. Heroic doesn't even begin to cover it.
The US loves the queen she has Grace 😘
I love how the queen looks so proud putting that medal on like a grandmother straighten up her grandsons tie before the dance it really is an amazing thing
Respect to you and thank you for your courage 👍
You guys are amazing, my son is a SF paratrooper with five tours to,Iraq, I am his Father and served in Vietnam and his grandfather was 4 years in WWII and went to Korea and we lost him at the Chosin Reservoir. My son is Career as you are and is an E-8 and a Ranger and is cut from the same cloth as you. His swaddling clothes were khaki. He has been a soldier all his life, even as a boy. It is like your relative receiving the Victoria Cross, the same as our Congressional Medal of Honor. Your career is set, watch the politics, there are those that are jealous, of your status, you earned by your valor, there are few of your kind, and yes you did your job, but you deserve the highest esteem, let others praise you. We have a fighter pilot named Chuck Yeager( now a general) who broke the sound barrier, and he has spent most of his life expounding on his own greatness. That is very unbecoming for a true hero. My son is like you highly decorated who,leads men and you'd never know from the quietness he maintains about his decorations, the true mark of a professional. But I know and am so proud of him!