Victoria Cross awarded to L/Cpl Josh Leakey, Parachute Rgt

[TTmonkey]

The term 'hero' is often banded about by the media for people that real are just doing their day job.

This is what a real hero looks like.... Not sure why it's not on today's news program's.....

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-31626357

Inspirational.

[james_tigerwoods]

I read this this morning and it is inspirational - I do hope that he gets recognition from the US Marines too.

It's just been mentioned on the BBC news too

[anonymous-user]

A brave fellow for sure!

[gruffalo]

I would rather like to buy that man a beer and thank him.

[TTmonkey]

gruffalo said:

I would rather like to buy that man a beer and thank him.

What a great idea......

[Vocal Minority]

...hardcore. A Victoria Cross is always amazing - they have always been difficult to win of course, but these days it is virtually impossible to win one (and live to tell the tale is even more so - he is the first in three medals awarded for action in Afghanistan able to do so).

Always a remarkable read - you win one of them, you don't need anything else.

[Asterix]

What a legend.

Was just about to come and post this.

[DJFish]

Thoroughly well deserved & throws the tribulations of your own daily grind into sharp relief.

Without wishing to take anything away from the chap or derail the thread, I was watching the bbc footage and was wondering why the guys & girls getting their gongs were wearing working attire, surely dress uniform is more appropriate for the palace?
Also noticed he got a hug from the boss in the shiny hat, didn't think they did that in the army?

Edited by DJFish on Thursday 26th February 08:32

[TTmonkey]

So how do we actually buy this guy a beer or two....?

[piquet]

we need some kind of charity webpage where all the recipients of valour are listed and you can read the event in their words and witnesses and then with button at the bottom to send them a beer for reading their story

kind of buy a hero a beer

[selym]

DJFish said:

Also noticed he got a hug from the boss in the shiny hat, didn't think they did that in the army?

Edited by DJFish on Thursday 26th February 08:32

Unprecedented actions deserve unprecedented actions. Even as a senior officer, it isn't every day you meet a hero/holder of the VC.

[Asterix]

selym said:

DJFish said:

Also noticed he got a hug from the boss in the shiny hat, didn't think they did that in the army?

Edited by DJFish on Thursday 26th February 08:32

Unprecedented actions deserve unprecedented actions. Even as a senior officer, it isn't every day you meet a hero/holder of the VC.

Indeed - I remember reading Gen. Sir Mike Jackson's account when he was awarded his GCB and how honoured he was to meet and have a chat with (the then) Pvt Johnson Beharry VC.

Rightly so - these are special men.

Edited by Asterix on Thursday 26th February 09:47

[DJFish]

Turns out this was the announcement rather than the actual medal presentation which answers my first question.
As I said I'm not being critical in any way re the man-hug, just curious.....

[TTmonkey]

What must be remembered on these great days.....

For every VC awarded for outstanding Valour.... Many deserved VCs are not awarded.... Because these heroic deeds go unreported as there must be living witnesses that corroborate the actions. Unfortunately many a hero dies on the battlefield unrecognised, and many a heroic deed goes unwitnessed, even if the hero lives.

[Asterix]

TTmonkey said:

What must be remembered on these great days.....

For every VC awarded for outstanding Valour.... Many deserved VCs are not awarded.... Because these heroic deeds go unreported as there must be living witnesses that corroborate the actions. Unfortunately many a hero dies on the battlefield unrecognised, and many a heroic deed goes unwitnessed, even if the hero lives.

Exactly - there was a fat lass I shagged behind the Naafi in Mercer Barracks in Osnabruck as a loyal wingman - that deserved at least a mention in dispatches.

Nada!

[London424]

Since the end of WW2 only 14 have been awarded (this might be the 15th).

Amazing story about a brave, brave man. Reading his account it's all the more remarkable.

[Mr E]

Asterix said:

Indeed - I remember reading Gen. Sir Mike Jackson's account when he was awarded his GCB and how honoured he was to meet and have a chat with (the then) Pvt Johnson Beharry VC.

I recall the Private received his award first. VC takes precedence over GCB.

[Asterix]

Watch the Beeb interview with him.

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-31626357

'Awkward Position'

[Asterix]

Mr E said:

Asterix said:

Indeed - I remember reading Gen. Sir Mike Jackson's account when he was awarded his GCB and how honoured he was to meet and have a chat with (the then) Pvt Johnson Beharry VC.

I recall the Private received his award first. VC takes precedence over GCB.

Yup - the VC Precedes all other honours.

[Kaelic]

Absolute hero and legend.