Australian VC
Nemo Me Impune Lacessit
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I bet the Corporal could have said "no" to the photo and the publicity if he had wanted to
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Originally Posted by GeeRam
Don't US Officers adopt a similar convention with CMH holders.....???
All US military personnel adhere to the tradition and custom that all should salute the holder of the Medal of Honor* regardless of their respective ranks.
* As the award citation includes the phrase "in the name of Congress", it is sometimes erroneously called the Congressional Medal of Honor; however, the official title is simply the Medal of Honor.
Join Date: Sep 2007
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What a very Brave Australian,
nice to read and hear, and what a quiet man when interviewd by the News reporters.
Jolly well done, we all salute you.
PeterR-B
nice to read and hear, and what a quiet man when interviewd by the News reporters.
Jolly well done, we all salute you.
PeterR-B
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Wellington, New Zealand
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Why was this guy not flown to the UK so the Queen could present the VC to him
Cpl Willie Apiata of the NZSAS had his presented by the New Zealand Governor General.
Evertonian
Why was this guy not flown to the UK so the Queen could present the VC to him
The new warrant does not specify any particular process for recommendations, though it is expected that any recommendation will pass through the military to the Minister. The new warrant also allows for "other persons determined by the Minister [for Defence] for the purposes of this regulation."
Join Date: Nov 2004
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I do love the mock indignation when people have a go at the "press reptiles" on this site.
I bet the Corporal could have said "no" to the photo and the publicity if he had wanted to - and doesn't need your protection on his behalf, although I'm sure he appreciates it.
I bet the Corporal could have said "no" to the photo and the publicity if he had wanted to - and doesn't need your protection on his behalf, although I'm sure he appreciates it.
Within an hour or two, some site editor decided that the original pic wasn't suitable, and replaced it with the pic of the Corporal holding his two new daughters.
As to why that was done, I can only guess, but no doubt, it's all about media slant, and image promotion.
I'd guess the Corporal was a little surprised at all the media attention, and has yet to learn how to handle the media reptiles.
Move Over ........
............. Arnie and that other tough guy, whose name escapes me, this guy is the real business. No more "Terminator" and other similar rubbish needed. All they need do is to make a movie of this guy's life story. Trouble is, Hollywood would want him to be a US Navy SEAL and played by Tom Cruise (on stilts?) {MODS please note, I can say that 'cause I'm vertically challenged to a serious degree myself!!}.
Well done that soldier.
O-D
Well done that soldier.
O-D
Join Date: Apr 2004
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Undoubtedly a superb soldier and most justifiable recognition.
However, I think such a release of personal information is very much a double-edged sword.
Were I he, and I'm not, I couldn't help feeling most exposed, both my family and me.
I applaud (very few things about the MoD usually) the MoD policy of keeping our particular SF fraternity behind a screen of anonimity - for their own and their families' protection.
When I see things like this, without taking a jot from this soldiers bravery, I see the hand of 'politics' and politicians basking in reflected glory, or worst still, cynically trying to counter popular public opinions that challenge their country's role in the conflict.
Tales of 'derring do' stir the blood and I sincerely hope this soldier's obvious dedication, selflessness and bravery isn't being manipulated.
Perhaps not a popular view but most politicians seem to live under stones these days, along with the other invertebrates.
However, I think such a release of personal information is very much a double-edged sword.
Were I he, and I'm not, I couldn't help feeling most exposed, both my family and me.
I applaud (very few things about the MoD usually) the MoD policy of keeping our particular SF fraternity behind a screen of anonimity - for their own and their families' protection.
When I see things like this, without taking a jot from this soldiers bravery, I see the hand of 'politics' and politicians basking in reflected glory, or worst still, cynically trying to counter popular public opinions that challenge their country's role in the conflict.
Tales of 'derring do' stir the blood and I sincerely hope this soldier's obvious dedication, selflessness and bravery isn't being manipulated.
Perhaps not a popular view but most politicians seem to live under stones these days, along with the other invertebrates.
Join Date: Jan 2001
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There is a parallel here in the award of the VC to NZSAS Trooper Cpl Willie Apiata. It seemed to me that the people in the Head Shed, and the NZ Army in particular, fully anticipated the media frenzy and spent some time grooming Willie prior to revealing his award . There was even a book published!
There were initial indications that his 'outing' would mean that he could never again serve in Afghanistan, but he did go back there some time later, and may well be still there!
There were initial indications that his 'outing' would mean that he could never again serve in Afghanistan, but he did go back there some time later, and may well be still there!
I was thinking about this myself DD,
but I guess the protection of Corporal Roberts-Smith's family has been taken into account by the DoD/authorities.
Not sure if you folks read about this POS liveing in Australia (I hope he's been put out of buisness by now).
http://www.news.com.au/national/muslim-cleric-sheik-haron-allegedly-sent-hate-mail-to-australian-war-widows/story-e6frfkvr-1225789720454
As you have all said, Corporal Roberts-Smith deserves our highest respect and admiration
cheers,
-D John
but I guess the protection of Corporal Roberts-Smith's family has been taken into account by the DoD/authorities.
Not sure if you folks read about this POS liveing in Australia (I hope he's been put out of buisness by now).
http://www.news.com.au/national/muslim-cleric-sheik-haron-allegedly-sent-hate-mail-to-australian-war-widows/story-e6frfkvr-1225789720454
As you have all said, Corporal Roberts-Smith deserves our highest respect and admiration
cheers,
-D John
Nicely done AA.
I have read this guy is going to RMC for a commission. Does anyone know - surely he wouldn't do a normal troop-to-officer training course, are there dispensations for SAS commissioning?? It would be completely stupid some RMC instructors teaching this guy about leadership. But there will be some admin and pen-pushing he would have to do.
I have read this guy is going to RMC for a commission. Does anyone know - surely he wouldn't do a normal troop-to-officer training course, are there dispensations for SAS commissioning?? It would be completely stupid some RMC instructors teaching this guy about leadership. But there will be some admin and pen-pushing he would have to do.
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BBad
Nope, he's almost certain to start III Class & ICT with other RMC jubes, if he goes down that path. The ADFA grads who go over the hill start at II Class, ie only have 12 months at the College rather than 18 months. Some choc graduates of the ARes 'First Appointment Course' have managed to wangle a II Class start too. But I've never heard of a digger skipping III Class, no matter how well credentialed.
Nope, he's almost certain to start III Class & ICT with other RMC jubes, if he goes down that path. The ADFA grads who go over the hill start at II Class, ie only have 12 months at the College rather than 18 months. Some choc graduates of the ARes 'First Appointment Course' have managed to wangle a II Class start too. But I've never heard of a digger skipping III Class, no matter how well credentialed.
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I would just like to make clear (I mean LOOK at the size of him) that he has my respect, and I am only concerned that all our AF suffer from being used by politicians et al, when it suits them.
If he and his family have been 'protected' then that's great.
And what a role model, beats the **** out of some millionaire footballer that can't be bothered to run for a ball when representing his country . . .
If he and his family have been 'protected' then that's great.
And what a role model, beats the **** out of some millionaire footballer that can't be bothered to run for a ball when representing his country . . .
