Two British Soldiers Nominated For VC

Two British soldiers from the same battalion have been nominated for the Victoria Cross in recognition of their incredible bravery in the face of the enemy.

The citations for Britain's highest gallantry award came after the men were involved in fierce fighting against the Taliban in Afghanistan.

The first is Captain David Hicks – who would become the first officer to win the VC since Falklands hero Lieutenant-Colonel Herbert 'H' Jones [recieved one posthumously for actions on the 28th of May, 1982, against Argentine forces south of the town of Darwin].

The second is believed to be Lance-Corporal Oliver 'Teddy' Ruecker, 20.

Last month Capt Hicks, 26, refused morphine when mortally wounded in order to lead a counter-attack against a Taliban rocket assault. [He died of his wounds after leading the assault.]

In May L/Cpl Ruecker fought off Taliban riflemen to rescue a badly wounded comrade from a burning armoured car. One VC has already been awarded for gallantry in Afghanistan.

The fact that there are two more nominations is an indication of the ferocity of the fighting involving British soldiers.

The awards would be the first time two soldiers from the same battalion have received the Victoria Cross since the Korean War.

L/Cpl Ruecker would be only the second living recipient of the VC in 38 years.

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The final decision will be made later this year by a committee of retired and serving generals.

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