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Gurkha honoured for solo defence of base against Taliban

Gurkha honoured for solo defence of base against Taliban

Acting Sergeant Dipprasad Pun – among several personnel awarded honours – fought up to 30 insurgents

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A Gurkha soldier who single-handedly fought off an attack on his base by up to 30 Taliban insurgents is among several British service personnel being honoured for their outstanding bravery.

Acting Sergeant Dipprasad Pun, 31, exhausted all his ammunition and at one point had to use the tripod of his machine gun to beat away a militant climbing the walls of the compound. He is awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.

Royal Marine Captain Jack Anrude receives the Military Cross after he carried a badly wounded Afghan soldier to safety despite himself being shot in the head and arm.

Leading a patrol of special forces into a village in Sangin suspected of having links to the Taliban, Anrude – along with one of his men and one of the Afghan soldiers – were ambushed by a gunman, but despite serious wounds Anrude managed to carry the heavily bleeding soldier back to the vehicle.

Anrude, from Purley in Surrey, paid tribute to the marines in his troop, including two who died during last year's tour, Scott Taylor, 20, from Buxton, and Anthony Hotine, 21, from Warminster in Wiltshire.

He said: "I wouldn't have got the award if it wasn't for the lads and their professionalism and courage."

Alexander Tostevin of the Royal Marines is awarded a Mention in Despatches for his bravery on sentry duty at Patrol Base Blenheim in Sangin. Tostevin was shot in the head and knocked to the ground but got to his feet and returned fire so two of his comrades could get to safety.

His citation read: "Tostevin remained steadfast at his sentry position, only seeking medical assistance once the patrol was out of danger, by which time he was suffering with deep shock."

The 21-year-old from Guernsey, said: "I was over the moon when I heard the news.

"I know a few other lads who also got shot through the helmet and carried on – I feel very privileged."

Squadron Leader Matthew Roberts of the RAF is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his courage in picking up two seriously injured US soldiers under heavy fire, while Warrant Officer Stephen Bowden, also of the RAF, receives the Queen's Gallantry Medal for helping bring a devastating fire under control at one of the largest military bases in Helmand.

as found on the Guardian UK: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/ma...ban-insurgents

T.

Congratulation to all these brave warriors. :D:lifter:D

Congrads to all.........

The acting Sergeant sounds like another good example of the Gurkhas

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Originally Posted by SF_BHT (Post 383153)

Congrads to all.........

The acting Sergeant sounds like another good example of the Gurkhas

You really have to admire those Gurkhas,they are certainly outstanding soldiers.....:D;):D

Big Teddy :munchin

Outstanding job! He has done a great job of upholding the Gurkha fighting tradition. They are a great group of Warriors and he has certainly proven to serve as a great example of one of them. Good for him and job well done.

Ayo Gorkhali !:lifter

That is incredible. BZ!

Conspicous Gallantry Cross Ceremony

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Soldier cited for holding off up to 30 Taliban by himself

Acting Sgt. Dipprasad Pun of the Royal Gurkha Rifles displays his Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.

June 2nd, 2011
09:03 AM ET

Britain's newest hero is a Nepali.

Queen Elizabeth II on Wednesday awarded Britain's second-highest award for bravery, the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross, to Acting Sgt. Dipprasad Pun of the Royal Gurkha Rifles.

While stationed as a lone sentry at a checkpoint in Afghanistan's Helmand province on September 17, Pun fended off an attack by up to 30 Taliban fighters.

"There were many Taliban around me," Pun said in an interview with British Forces News. "I thought they are definitely going to kill me. ... I thought before they kill me I have to kill some of them."

During the 15-minute battle, Pun fired more than 400 rounds of ammunition, detonated 17 grenades and a mine and even threw his gun tripod at a Taliban fighter climbing toward his position, according to British Forces News.

"He was just about to climb up there and I hit (him) with my tripod and he fell down again," Pun told British Forces News.

Pun's actions saved the lives of three fellow soldiers at the checkpoint and were the "bravest seen in his battalion over two hard tours in Afghanistan," according to his medal citation.

Pun was not wounded in the firefight.

“That he survived unscathed is simply incredible," his medal citation says. “Throughout Dip’s actions he was under almost constant intense fire. Dip’s courage and gallantry were simply astonishing."

Pun, 31, joined the British military in 2000 and also has served in Bosnia and Kosovo.

Like other Gurkhas, Pun is from Nepal. The Gurkhas were incorporated into British forces after their fighting skill impressed the opposition British during the Nepal Wars of 1814 to 1816. As part of the peace treaty ending that conflict, Gurkhas were admitted into East India Company's army and then into the British military.

Gurkhas recruited solely in Nepal remain Nepalese citizens during their service. Gurkha unit officers are British.

http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/06/02...elf/?hpt=hp_t2

Pun's actions saved the lives of three fellow soldiers at the checkpoint and were the "bravest seen in his battalion over two hard tours in Afghanistan," according to his medal citation.

Pun was not wounded in the firefight.

“That he survived unscathed is simply incredible," his medal citation says. “Throughout Dip’s actions he was under almost constant intense fire. Dip’s courage and gallantry were simply astonishing."

Absolutely Awesome!!!!

One Gurhka vs. 25 SEALs???? - I'd bet the Gurhka.

What a fine soldier. I hope like all get out that there is a Military Only Canteen in the great beyond where we can all hang out ;)

Outstanding warrior! Great job upholding the Gurkha warrior’s fame. These are a great group of Warriors.

I have never had the privilege of actually meeting a ghurka, but I have seen them up close. They definitely look fierce, to say the least. I have the utmost respect...

Awesome. Heroism at its finest.