Not worthy of the Victoria Cross?

[Furball]

Victoria Cross citation for a 36 year old SAS soldier in Iraq.  It is believed he will be rejected for the award because he survived.  

Whilst serving in Iraq as part of a joint special forces patrol with members of the Australian Special Air Service regiment and US Rangers.  Corporal xxx was dispatched with a number of the Australian SAS to carry out reconnaissance in an area of Baghdad occupied by large numbers of foreign enemy fighters involved in acts of terrorism within Iraq.  During the reconnaissance, Corporal xxx and the Australian SAS soldier came under heavy engagement consisting of heavy gunfire, involving close quater battle, over a period of two hours.

During this time the Australian SAS soldier sustained life-threatening gunshot injuries and trauma.  Corporal xxx gave immediate medical assistance.

Whilst still under heavy attack from RPG and and machine gun fire at close quaters, Corporal xxx engaged the enemy and continued to give medical assistance to the Australian SAS soldier.  Corporal xxx, whilst administering medical assistance, returned fire on the enemy and called in an air strike.

Corporal xxx, killed some 36 enemy.  Whilst fighting his way out of the area, he carried the injured Australian SAS soldier on his back for three miles before being airlifted out of the area by helicopter.  Corporal xxx during this engagement sustained shrapnel injuries requiring a period of medical treatment back in UK.  Corporal xxx's actions showed the highest level of valour and gallantry in the face of overwhelming number of enemy and in the rescue of the Australian SAS soldier.  It is recommended to her Majesty that Corporal xxx be awarded the Victoria Cross.  

[/i]

[Arlo]

There were quite a few survivors at the battle of Rorke's Drift. I don't get it.

[Furball]

from this mornings paper -

The 36 year old British soldier was recommended for the gallantry medal by his commanding officers after he single handedly held off enemy attackers in a two hour gun battle when his unit was ambushed.



But special forces officers fear the brave corporal will be snubbed for the highest military honour because they say senior officials usually do not give it to survivors.

Yesterday, a former general who commanded Special Forces said : "it would appear these days it is easier to achieve sainthood than to win a Victoria Cross while you are alive

Getting a soldier a VC is a lottery.  And getting one for a member of the SAS or SBS, would appear nigh impossible.  The people in charge are paranoid about publicity, absolutely terrified of it.

Hope he does get it, sounds like he deserves it.

[Bluedog]

Carried a wounded Aussie three miles to safety.......can you imagine the *****ing and moaning he would have had to put up with?
I hope they give him the VC, sounds like his actions warrant it.

[Saintaw]

At least, he'll be welcome to spend time on holliday in Australia.

[-tronski-]

I wasn't even aware there were any Australian causalties from operations in Iraq.
Not that any Australian digger would want to admit being carried to safety by a pom.

As for the decorations, plenty of VC winners survived their actions, I wouldn't have thought that would be a "requirement" (a kiwi, Sir Charles Upham won 2 and was recommended for a third)

 Tronsky

[cpxxx]

It's probably more to do with the regiment and security than the fact that he survived.  The young soldier who received the George Cross recently  was a survivor. He would have got a VC except for the fact the his heroism took place under fire from an ally rather than the enemy.  No the real reason is publicity. There is an enourmous amount of publicity around a VC. No doubt he will be decorated.