The incredible heroism of lance corporal Matthew Croucher: Royal Marine who jumped on grenade awarded George Cross.
L/Cpl Croucher, 24, was part of a company of 40 Commando sent to investigate a suspected Taliban bomb-making factory near the town of Sangin when he set off the trip-wire booby-trap that unleashed the deadly grenade.
“I thought, ‘I’ve set this bloody thing off and I’m going to do whatever it takes to protect the others,’” he said.
The Marine then shouted “Grenade. Take cover” to three men close to the bomb.
He survived with a headache and a nosebleed. Sometimes, fortune favors the good.
2 responses so far ↓
Candice // July 24, 2008 at 12:46 pm |
The cynic in me wonders if he didn’t just trip and fall when he tried to run like hell on wheels.
Dan // July 24, 2008 at 2:42 pm |
The realist in me thinks that these brave souls are doing the job that they took an oath to perform.
No matter my opinions on the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, I will always have the highest respect and admiration for those who serve.
I think L/Cpl Croucher, although only 24 years old, could teach a good number of us lessons in honor and integrity.