VC for service in Iraq possible ?

[Denat]

Britain - Young soldier in line for Iraq Victoria Cross (http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/this_britain/story.jsp?story=530990) A 19-year-old soldier is to be recommended for the Victoria Cross, Britain's highest gallantry decoration, after driving his blazing vehicle through an ambush, saving the lives of its injured commander and crew in southern Iraq last month. During the battle that lasted several hours, men of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders carried out the first bayonet charge by British troops since the Falklands conflict 22 years ago. The young soldier is believed to be from the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, whose units have been supporting the Argylls around Amara in southern Iraq. No Victoria Crosses have been awarded since those won by Staff Sergeant Ian MacKay and Lt-Col Herbert Jones in the Falklands in 1982. According to sources in Iraq the young driver's performance fulfils all the criteria.The name of the young soldier is being withheld by the Army. news.independent.co.uk 13 Jun 04

[seruriermarshal]

Hero !

[n4292936]

Good on'em woot :D , that story about the bayonet charge just seems to keep getting better and better. I hope its for good reason!

[Argyll]

Hmm.......I doubt it,there were similar reccomendations for SNCO's in the SAS during Afghanistan,Politics prevented the awards,as will this one,he will recieve the Military Cross/medal......nothing more I'm afraid,I'd be pleasantly surprised if he got anything higher,there were a lot of heroics performed that day..from both the PWRR and Argyll's.

[W(M)D]

Hmm.......I doubt it,there were similar reccomendations for SNCO's in the SAS during Afghanistan,Politics prevented the awards,as will this one,he will recieve the Military Cross/medal......nothing more I'm afraid,I'd be pleasantly surprised if he got anything higher,there were a lot of heroics performed that day..from both the PWRR and Argyll's.

Although not exactly the same but as valuable, he will have earnt the gratitude/respect of his mates.

[Royal]

Hmm.......I doubt it,there were similar reccomendations for SNCO's in the SAS during Afghanistan,Politics prevented the awards,as will this one,he will recieve the Military Cross/medal......nothing more I'm afraid,I'd be pleasantly surprised if he got anything higher,there were a lot of heroics performed that day..from both the PWRR and Argyll's.

For once mate, I've got to disagree.

MC's seem to be being dished out with the blueys at the moment in some outfits (the Royal Marines included). From the details, he certainly deserved it - but I thought that about one of the RM MC's from Afghanistan until I talked to some of the guys there. No names, no pack drill but IMHO it was a MiD at most.

[Argyll]

Hmm.......I doubt it,there were similar reccomendations for SNCO's in the SAS during Afghanistan,Politics prevented the awards,as will this one,he will recieve the Military Cross/medal......nothing more I'm afraid,I'd be pleasantly surprised if he got anything higher,there were a lot of heroics performed that day..from both the PWRR and Argyll's.

For once mate, I've got to disagree.

MC's seem to be being dished out with the blueys at the moment in some outfits (the Royal Marines included). From the details, he certainly deserved it - but I thought that about one of the RM MC's from Afghanistan until I talked to some of the guys there. No names, no pack drill but IMHO it was a MiD at most.

You've got something there mate,yeah there have been awards for less,and awards for more,VC.........no chance,MM/MC maybe.......MiD........definately.......there was 2 NCO's who destroyed an enemy trench with WP,upclose and personal........no awards being mentioned there

[W(M)D]

It does appear sometimes that troops are being decorated for doing their job, some of the citations for certain actions would not have even warranted an MiD in WWII or Korea, etc.
Undoubtedly, some of the lads deserve recognition for going above and beyond their job in the bravery stakes but do you feel that some awards especially in recognition of service to more senior officers are deserved or not, as in fact they are only doing their job well (looking at the MoD Telic awards listing)?

[GrantT]

Speaking of the Victoria Cross did anyone see the programme on BBC2 about the VC with Jeremy Clarkson? Quite interesting.

[Argyll]

No ****,some RAF/RN and Army clowns putting themselves in for DSO's,and getting them ,for logistics Ops,having never set foot in Iraq,never mind having to fire their weapon in anger against an enemy hell bent in killing him!!

[W(M)D]

If they are devaluing the medal (merit) system of recognition, there is nothing that the MoD/military hierarchy wont stoop to, next to go will be the regimental system (before you know it)!

[moughoun]

We solved the problem of awarding our highest medal, the Military Star, you have to be killed in action :(

[scm77]

It does appear sometimes that troops are being decorated for doing their job, some of the citations for certain actions would not have even warranted an MiD in WWII or Korea, etc.


See: Jessica Lynch. ;)

[DeltaWhisky58]

Frankly, there is only one source in the media to believe when it comes to medals The London Gazette (http://www.gazettes-online.co.uk) until the announcement is read there it's pure conjecture.

[Ngati Tumatauenga]

I think you'll find in most armys worldwide the pogues always 'fight' for awards and commendations fairly shamelessly. But in the line units its frowned upon to be put forward for anything unless its right outside the job description so to speak.

[Royal]

Frankly, there is only one source in the media to believe when it comes to medals The London Gazette (http://www.gazettes-online.co.uk) until the announcement is read there it's pure conjecture.

Other than the fact that not all awards are gazetted there. Awards for SF and Int personel have long been made on a closed list with a 'Secret - UK eyes only' classification.