Yes..well if you have to go back soon and you very badly want to
kill something to get some medals, then I suppose you could imagine
anything...
They had 2 passes, the first pass was unjustified but after the
first pass the 2nd pass was even more unjustified. Clear day,
doubt, and they attack = fools.
If in doubt dun fire or wait for FAC to get eyes on!
Can't believe at least one of the fools got a promotion, got
medals, is a 'hero' and is teaching other people to fly.
Well, Perhaps this is down to cultural differences 'hero' is
defined differently in America.
American Hero:
REAL hero: Trooper Chris Finney, The Blues and Royals
George Cross
George Cross Citation:
Trooper Finney, a young armoured vehicle driver with less than a
year's service, was driving the leading Scimitar vehicle of his
troop, which had been at the forefront of action against enemy
armour for several hours. In the early afternoon, the two leading
vehicles paused beside a levee to allow the troop leader to assess
fully the situation in front. Without warning, they were engaged by
a pair of Coalition Forces ground attack aircraft. Both vehicles
were hit and caught fire, and ammunition began exploding inside the
turrets. Trooper Finney managed to get out of his driving position
and was on the way towards cover when he noticed that his vehicle's
gunner was trapped in the turret. He then climbed onto the fiercely
burning vehicle, at the same time placing himself at risk from
enemy fire, as well as fire from the aircraft should they return.
Despite the smoke and flames and exploding ammunition, he managed
to haul out the injured gunner, get him off the vehicle, and move
him to a safer position not far away, where he bandaged his
wounds.
The troop officer, in the other Scimitar, had been wounded and
there were no senior ranks to take control. Despite his relative
inexperience, the shock of the attack and the all-too-obvious risk
to himself, Trooper Finney recognised the need to inform his
headquarters of the situation. He therefore broke cover, returned
to his vehicle which was still burning, and calmly and concisely
sent a lucid situation report by radio. He then returned to the
injured gunner and began helping him towards a Spartan vehicle of
the Royal Engineers which had moved forward to assist.
At this point, Trooper Finney noticed that both the aircraft were
lining up for a second attack. Notwithstanding the impending
danger, he continued to help his injured comrade towards the safety
of the Spartan vehicle. Both aircraft fired their cannon and
Trooper Finney was wounded in the buttocks and legs, and the gunner
in the head. Despite his wounds, Trooper Finney succeeded in
getting the gunner to the waiting Spartan. Then, seeing that the
driver of the second Scimitar was still in the burning vehicle,
Trooper Finney determined to rescue him as well. Despite his wounds
and the continuing danger from exploding ammunition, he valiantly
attempted to climb up onto the vehicle, but was beaten back by the
combination of heat, smoke and exploding ammunition. He collapsed
exhausted a short distance from the vehicle, and was recovered by
the crew of the Royal Engineers' Spartan.
During these attacks and their horrifying aftermath, Trooper Finney
displayed clear-headed courage and devotion to his comrades which
was out of all proportion to his age and experience. Acting with
complete disregard for his own safety even when wounded, his
bravery was of the highest order throughout.
