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Kiwi receives the Victoria Cross
By Slab
This one's for my mate, Tony. As much shit as I give him about fornicating with sheep, you have to admit that those Kiwis are some pretty good dudes to have next to you, whether it's a gunfight or just having a couple of brews.
Cpl Willy Apiata of the New Zealand Special Air Service was awarded the Victoria Cross, the Commonwealth's highest award for gallantry, for his actions in Afghanistan in 2004. Cpl Apiata is only the 14th recipient since the end of World War II, and the first Commonwealth recipient since Australian Warrant Officer Keith Payne received the award in 1969. His award is also the first to a serving member of the SAS anywhere in the Commonwealth.
The citation is available here, and the New Zealand Herald has a good writeup as well.
From the citation:
As the enemy pressed its attack towards Lance Corporal Apiata’s position, and without thought of abandoning his colleague to save himself, he took a decision in the highest order of personal courage under fire. Knowing the risks involved in moving to open ground, Lance Corporal Apiata decided to carry Corporal D singlehandedly to the relative safety of the main Troop position, which afforded better cover and where medical treatment could be given.
Well done, Cpl Apiata. You've done your countrymen, and all of us, proud.
H/t to Defense Tech.
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Comments
Thanks Slab, I really do appreciate the sentiments.
This is indeed a proud moment for NZ.
I too wish as I'm sure most of the Military in NZ does that NZ had a more active role in this conflict.
I actually went through my Basic training at the same time and place as Cpl Apiata.
LtCol P, We did indeed have a very good reputation in the Western Desert.
Indeed it was a contingent of NZ troops that formed the first Long Range Desert Group, the forefathers of the original SAS
Tony
Who Dares Wins.
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WOW. Great catch, Slab. The Kiwis are tough ones indeed. I think Rommel rated them his most dangerous opponents, even above the Australians. I only wish there were more of them in this fight.