05 September 2007

More VCs to be awarded for Afghanistan?

ZUI this article from The Telegraph:
Two soldiers are in line to receive the Victoria Cross for their actions in fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan, it has emerged.

The first is L/Cpl Oliver "Teddy" Ruecker from the 1st Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment, who is believed to have been recommended for Britain's highest award for gallantry by his commanding officer.

During a fierce fire-fight in Helmand province in May, the 20-year-old ran back to pull his critically injured friend from a burning armoured vehicle that contained plastic explosives.

Capt David Hicks, 26, is also believed to be in line for the award.

He died hours after being wounded and refusing morphine so he could lead a counter-offensive of 50 men against a rocket position.

The Peterborough Evening Telegraph has more about Captain Hicks, who was also with the 1st Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment:
Cpt Hicks would become the first officer to win the VC since Falklands hero Leiutenant-Colonal Herbert 'H' Jones.

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The final decision about the VC medals will be made later this year.

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