Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest award for gallantry in the presence of the enemy, and is also the highest honour in the British Honours System. A miniature of the award is worn on the undress uniform to indicate the unique nature of the award.
- Corporal Bryan James Budd, The Parachute Regiment, December 2006 (killed in action)
During July and August, A Company of 3 Para were deployed into Sangin, where their position was constantly under attack. On 27 July, during a patrol, a member of Corporal Budd's section was shot and seriously injured in open ground. Budd led an assault against a building, causing the enemy to retreat, allowing the evacuation and treatment of the wounded soldier. On 20 August, on another patrol, Budd's section again came under heavy fire, with two soldiers being wounded. He assaulted the enemy single-handedly, continuing even when himself wounded. This inspired the remainder of the platoon to renew their attack, and force the withdrawal of the enemy. Budd subsequently died of his wounds. His "single-handed action... and his determination, though wounded, to push on against a superior enemy force stands out as a premeditated act of inspirational leadership and the greatest valour".
Read more about this topic: List Of British Gallantry Awards For The War In Afghanistan
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