Thursday, March 22, 2012

Posthumous Bravery Medal for Para who died saving friend

The family of British Parachute Regiment Private Martin Bell, killed in Afghanistan while saving the life of a wounded colleague, have received the George Medal on his behalf from Her Majesty The Queen.

Private Bell ignored an order not to move from the safety of his position to help an injured colleague. His actions saved the life of the other soldier but a hidden bomb took the life of Private Bell.

The George Medal is usually a civilian award, but can be given to members of the armed forces for "acts for which military honours would not usually be granted"; for example, acts of great bravery when not in the presence of the enemy.

Pte Bell's citation read: "Judging the needs of the critically injured casualty greater than his own life, and in an act of supreme selflessness, Private Bell ran to the casualty in order to render him immediate aid."

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