Posthumous VC awarded for Afghan service

Says the Mirror:

Two soldiers from 3rd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, were posthumously awarded medals for exceptional valour in southern Afghanistan this year.

Corporal Bryan Budd, 29, who died leading an assault against the Taliban, won the Victoria Cross.

He is the first person given the medal posthumously in 24 years.

At a ceremony in the Defence Ministry his wife Lorena, 23, a clerk in the Royal Artillery, said: "He was a proud and passionate soldier who was prepared to make the very highest sacrifice to save the lives of others."

The other para was Cpl Mark Wright, who received the George Cross for "an extraordinary attempt to save critically injured soldiers."

A total of 134 personnel were awarded medals Friday (15 Dec), including Pte Michelle Norris, RAMC, who received the Military Cross "for saving lives during a fierce gun battle in Iraq," and four men who received the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross:

Acting Captain Timothy Illingworth of the Light Infantry led attacks in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

L/Cpl Andrew Radford of the Household Cavalry carried a wounded comrade 70 metres uphill under heavy fire, also in Afghanistan.

Lt Hugo Farmer of the Parachute Regiment led his men to find and evacuate the dying Cpl Budd.

Colour Sgt James Harkess, then of the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment, saved lives on three occasions as a Warrior platoon sergeant in Iraq.

The Telegraph has further details on most of the individuals mentioned above, as well as a complete list of awards given.

For further information on British Military Honours, see here.

Medals shown: (top left) VC, (top right) GC, (bottom left) CGC and (bottom right) MC.