bobdina
09-15-2009, 11:44 AM
A soldier from the Royal Regiment of Artillery has been awarded the Military Cross for his heroic actions in aiding an injured comrade and relaying critical information while exposed and under fire during a battle in Afghanistan.
Gunner Grant Guy MC
Gunner Grant Guy, aged 20, was awarded the prestigious medal for going to the aid of a wounded marine and making three crossings of an open area known as the 'killing area' whilst under accurate enemy fire to relay critical information that his exposed position was able to establish and as a result regained the initiative from the enemy.
During the battle Gunner Guy placed himself in direct enemy fire when he went to the aid of a fallen comrade who had been shot in the head and was lying exposed to further enemy attack during a deadly and co-ordinated ambush on Gunner Guy's patrol company.
Joined by two colleagues he administered emergency care while the remainder of the company engaged to suppress enemy fire.
On identifying a further enemy firing point that was engaging his position that was out of the reach of his covering fire, Gunner Guy made the perilous dash back across the killing area to advise the fire support team commander of the position to direct artillery fire.
His citation states that this action was the turning point in the company's fight to regain the initiative.
"It's difficult to explain, but you look out for the guy on your left and on your right like they are your relatives. You'll do anything you can to help them."
Gunner Guy then moved for the third time, completely exposed to heavy fire, across the killing area to return to the wounded marine, where he calmly briefed the medical officer who had arrived on the scene.
He then turned his attention to directing the machine gun group's fire to suppress the last enemy position - giving the medical officer a respite from enemy fire to treat the wounded marine ready for evacuation.
His citation reads:
"From the moment he identified and treated the casualty, to the sighting and relaying of critical information, his deeds were selfless and courageous beyond all reasonable expectation.
"Time and again he acted to save the life of his comrade, repeatedly placing himself in extreme danger in doing so. In spite of his junior rank, he helped the company prevail by taking charge at critical moments of a desperate situation.
"Gunner Guy's inspirational example to those around him and his utter disregard for his own safety must not go unrecognised."
Speaking at a ceremony announcing the latest Operations Honours and Awards, Gunner Guy said:
"I wasn't expecting anything so it's taking a while to sink in, but I'm really honoured. This is not just for me though, it's for the blokes who didn't make it back and those back in the regiment."
Asked why he placed himself at so much risk, he simply said:
"It's for your brothers. It's difficult to explain, but you look out for the guy on your left and on your right like they are your relatives. You'll do anything you can to help them."
Gunner Guy joined the Army in August 2006. He is currently based in Arbroath and HERRICK 9 was his first operational tour.
The Military Cross (MC) is awarded for gallantry during combat operations against the enemy on land. The MC was instituted in 1914 as an award for officers and warrant officers, while other ranks were eligible for the Military Medal (MM). Since 1993 the MM has been discontinued and all ranks are eligible for the MC.
Gunner Grant Guy MC
Gunner Grant Guy, aged 20, was awarded the prestigious medal for going to the aid of a wounded marine and making three crossings of an open area known as the 'killing area' whilst under accurate enemy fire to relay critical information that his exposed position was able to establish and as a result regained the initiative from the enemy.
During the battle Gunner Guy placed himself in direct enemy fire when he went to the aid of a fallen comrade who had been shot in the head and was lying exposed to further enemy attack during a deadly and co-ordinated ambush on Gunner Guy's patrol company.
Joined by two colleagues he administered emergency care while the remainder of the company engaged to suppress enemy fire.
On identifying a further enemy firing point that was engaging his position that was out of the reach of his covering fire, Gunner Guy made the perilous dash back across the killing area to advise the fire support team commander of the position to direct artillery fire.
His citation states that this action was the turning point in the company's fight to regain the initiative.
"It's difficult to explain, but you look out for the guy on your left and on your right like they are your relatives. You'll do anything you can to help them."
Gunner Guy then moved for the third time, completely exposed to heavy fire, across the killing area to return to the wounded marine, where he calmly briefed the medical officer who had arrived on the scene.
He then turned his attention to directing the machine gun group's fire to suppress the last enemy position - giving the medical officer a respite from enemy fire to treat the wounded marine ready for evacuation.
His citation reads:
"From the moment he identified and treated the casualty, to the sighting and relaying of critical information, his deeds were selfless and courageous beyond all reasonable expectation.
"Time and again he acted to save the life of his comrade, repeatedly placing himself in extreme danger in doing so. In spite of his junior rank, he helped the company prevail by taking charge at critical moments of a desperate situation.
"Gunner Guy's inspirational example to those around him and his utter disregard for his own safety must not go unrecognised."
Speaking at a ceremony announcing the latest Operations Honours and Awards, Gunner Guy said:
"I wasn't expecting anything so it's taking a while to sink in, but I'm really honoured. This is not just for me though, it's for the blokes who didn't make it back and those back in the regiment."
Asked why he placed himself at so much risk, he simply said:
"It's for your brothers. It's difficult to explain, but you look out for the guy on your left and on your right like they are your relatives. You'll do anything you can to help them."
Gunner Guy joined the Army in August 2006. He is currently based in Arbroath and HERRICK 9 was his first operational tour.
The Military Cross (MC) is awarded for gallantry during combat operations against the enemy on land. The MC was instituted in 1914 as an award for officers and warrant officers, while other ranks were eligible for the Military Medal (MM). Since 1993 the MM has been discontinued and all ranks are eligible for the MC.