Birmingham heroes recognised with Badge of Honour
Mar 10 2009 by Paul Bradley, Birmingham Post
Military heroes from across the West Midlands are set to be officially recognised for their acts of outstanding bravery and dedication in a new campaign.
More than 7,000 British troops are stationed in Afghanistan, where 149 courageous soldiers have lost their lives. But only a select few are nominated for military recognition while hundreds slip through the net. Now, families from across the West Midlands will have a chance to nominate their heroes for a prestigious Badge of Honour Award, in a campaign launched today.
Handcrafted by Royal medal makers, Worcestershire Medals Service, who make MBEs and OBEs, the silver medals will be presented to serving soldiers who have gone the extra mile.
Most importantly, they will be nominated by families and friends of serving troops, so people from the home towns of serving soldiers can decide who deserves these special honours.
Armed Forces Minister Bob Ainsworth says the campaign would make a “huge difference” to morale. He said: “Birmingham and the Midlands have always enjoyed close links with Britain’s armed forces and this is as true today as it has ever been. Thousands of sailors, soldiers and airmen serve their country daily with great courage and resolve in some of the toughest and most dangerous conditions on earth.
“Spending time away from friends and family can be extremely difficult. Knowing that they have their support and that of the wider public back home makes a huge difference to morale. I am greatly encouraged by this campaign and hope that the people of the West Midlands will recognise the heroism, dedication and commitment of our Armed Forces.”
George Cross winner, Lance Corporal Matt Croucher, of Solihull, who threw himself on top of a grenade to save his patrol, also backed the campaign and became an ambassador for the awards.
He said: “When a soldier is in a war zone the last thing in his head are thoughts about winning medals. We do it because it is our job, we are following orders and working for each other. But when it comes down to it, knowing that people at home are behind us is definitely a good thing. And a lot of lads may not appreciate the publicity but deep down it will mean a lot to them.”
The campaign, launched by the Birmingham Mail, has been backed by Aston Villa, Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion, who have pledged pairs of tickets to winners. A panel of judges, which include the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, the chairman of the Birmingham RAF association and the parents of Trooper James Munday, is looking for people who have shown valour in the face of adversity but have yet to be recognised for their efforts. They are also seeking heroes who have shown incredible determination and dedication to succeed where others have failed and people who have given something back to their community and shown great selflessness in the work.
n To nominate someone write to: Badge of Honour, Birmingham Mail, Floor 6, Fort Dunlop, Fort Parkway, Birmingham, B24 9FF or email paul.bradley@birminghammail.net
